EBS STAFF
All active registered voters in Gallatin County can anticipate their municipal ballots arriving in the mail; the county announced in a press release that they will be mailing them—more than 51,000 in total—on Friday, Oct. 17. This election is mail-in only and all ballots must be received, not postmarked, by 8 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 4.
Municipal elections take place in Bozeman, Belgrade, West Yellowstone and the Belgrade School District; only voters who reside within those boundaries will receive a ballot for this election. Ballots are expected to arrive in mailboxes this weekend or early next week and sample ballots are available online. If you don’t receive your ballot by Wednesday, Oct. 22, Gallatin County advises to contact the elections office directly to request a replacement or confirm your registration and eligibility.
Ballots may be submitted by mail or in person. If returning by mail, it is recommended to do so no later than Friday, Oct. 24 to ensure its arrival. In-person ballot dropoff is available at the Gallatin County Elections Office (311 W. Main St., room 210), Belgrade City Hall (91 E. Central Ave.), Belgrade School District Office (312 N. Weaver St.), or West Yellowstone Town Hall (440 Yellowstone Ave.) All locations are open Monday through Friday during regular business hours through Nov. 3, and from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day.
Voters should note that a new Montana law now requires voters to include their birth year along with their signature when returning mail ballots. If left blank, your ballot will not be counted. Voters can check their voter registration status or the status of their ballot online.
