What’s the Scoop on “Early Voting” in Yellowstone County?

A listener sent a message to a morning show with a question about voting:

"Is there early voting in Yellowstone County?  We're precinct 38-1 Billings and a response from the election board offers absentee or Nov 5—nothing about early voting.  What's the scoop?"

How do we get the answers here?  Send the cub reporter over.

A quick visit to Ginger at the Elections Office in the county courthouse provided some answers and advice.

"Early Voting" is a phrase used by other states, not in Montana.

A majority of registered Voters, about 80%, are absentee and receive their ballots in the mail, and they likely had opted to that always.  For those who did not, they can ask in writing for an absentee ballot without needing a reason.  The Election administration will promptly mail a ballot.

For a non-absentee registered voter who is just chomping at the bit to vote, can't wait until November 5th, maybe can't stand the pesky canvassers, they have an early option.  Starting October 8th, such a person may walk into the Election Office and request an absentee ballot, which will be provided.  The voter may fill it out right there and put it in the ballot box and be done.  Warning, there is no takesy-backsies; your vote is effectively etched in stone.  Consider carefully.

Give the Postal Service a week to get the ballot to you.

That 80% of registered voters translates to around 78,000 ballots.  They will be dropped off to the Postal Service on October 11th.  So your ballot should arrive anytime up to October 18th.  The processing and delivery of that many pieces of mail takes time.  So I ask please for your patience.  Once it arrives, you will still have over two weeks to fill it out and return it.  Best returned in person to the Election Office to ensure your vote done in time.

If it has not arrived by the 18th or the next day, then you may come in person to the Election Office and request an absentee ballot.  Completing early is an option.

So although the term "early voting" is not recognized in Montana, there are methods to have your choices ensured prior to November 5th.

But that verification of vote delivered is your responsibility.  Nobody else should do it for you, unless a family member or trusted caregiver.  A stranger at the door should never touch your ballot.

You have heard all the messages about upholding our precious democracy and every vote matters.  Since it's so, then please treat yours as the importance it is.

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