Are you ready to vote, Montana?
Three things you can check right now to ensure you're ready.
Election Day may be Tuesday, November 5th, but you may be able to cast your ballot now – or prepare to do so early. There are a few easy things you can do right now to ensure you’re ready to vote - and it only takes a minute. Here’s a handy checklist:
- Check your voter registration. Montanans have until Monday, October 7, 2024, to mail in your voter registration form for the November 5 election. After that, you’ll need to register to vote in person. Visit votemt.gov to check your voter registration status and learn how to register to vote, and find additional resources at voteinmt.org. You can register up until Election Day, but why wait?
- Vote via absentee ballot – they're available to voters now. You can vote in person via absentee ballot from now to Election Day. Visit https://prodvoterportal.mt.gov/WhereToVote.aspx to learn more.
- Make a voting plan. If you prefer to vote on Election Day, you can still visit https://prodvoterportal.mt.gov/WhereToVote.aspx to learn the location of your polling place and voteinmt.org for additional information. Make a plan to arrive early on Tuesday, November 5, with time for long lines or delays. Run into trouble day-of? Access live voter information and voter protection support from trained volunteer attorneys by:
- Calling the voter helpline at (866) OUR-VOTE
- Texting MYVOTE to (866) 687-8683
- Chatting live on the election protection website
Why Voting Your Entire Ballot Is Important
On Tuesday, November 5, you’ll be voting for more than just president. You’ll also have the opportunity to shape Montana’s Supreme Court, State Legislature, and the Montana Constitution.
The Montana Supreme Court is the highest court in the State of Montana. It hears “direct appeals from all of the District Courts across Montana, as well as from the Workers' Compensation Court and the Water Court.” There are two open Montana Supreme Court seats on the November ballot: Chief Justice and Associate Justice. This year, the stakes of the Montana Supreme Court elections could not be higher, as the Montana Supreme Court hears cases on the right to privacy, including abortion, trangender rights, and other critical civil rights issues.
We sent a questionnaire to the four candidates, two running for each open seat, to learn more about where they stand on important civil rights and civil liberties issues; click here to read their responses. The ACLU does not endorse or oppose candidates, but we do want to give you the information you need to make informed decisions.
The Montana Legislature is the governing body that creates Montana state laws. The legislature consists of the 100-member Montana House of Representatives and the 50-member Montana Senate. These elected officials meet every other year to propose, debate, and pass legislation that impacts Montanans’ health, education, workplace safety, natural environment, and more.
We sent a questionnaire to candidates in key legislative races, to learn more about where they stand on important civil rights and civil liberties issues; click here to read the candidates’ responses. The ACLU does not endorse or oppose candidates, but we do want to give you the information you need to make informed decisions.
Constitutional Initiative 128 (CI-128) is a ballot initiative that prohibits the government from intruding on personal decisions about pregnancy, including abortion. The ACLU of Montana is proud to be part of Montanans Securing Reproductive Rights (MSRR), a citizen-led initiative working to secure the passage of CI-128.
Get Involved
We are in the midst of a crucial election season – and you may be looking for impactful ways to support our democracy.
Look no further – join the ACLU of Montana as we work to ensure that all eligible voters have what they need to cast their ballots on or before November 5.
Events
- Satellite election locations are open through the end of October - click here for dates, times, and locations
Helpful Links
- Read up on the importance of the Montana Supreme Court election and its potential impact on a number of issues, including Indigenous voting rights.
- Review the responses of Montana Legislature candidates to the ACLU of Montana’s questionnaire
- Not sure if you’re registered to vote? You can check your registration status online
- Visit VoteMT.gov for all the information you need to cast your ballot on or before Election Day
Happy voting!