Based on public records reviewed Oct. 13, 2026
Montana’s general election is Tuesday, Nov. 3, three weeks from today. Polling places are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Election Day is also the last day to return an absentee ballot, according to the state’s official voter calendar. Voters in Box Elder and on Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation who want to be sure their ballot counts should check their registration, their polling place and their ID now, while there’s still time to fix a problem.
This guide is nonpartisan. It doesn’t tell anyone how to vote, and it can’t tell you whether you personally are eligible or which precinct you’re in. Only your county election office can answer that.
Key dates
The Montana voter calendar lists these dates for the general election:
- Oct. 5, 5 p.m.: Regular voter registration closed.
- Oct. 6: Late registration began.
- Oct. 9: General election absentee ballots were sent.
- Nov. 3: Election Day. Polls open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., with exceptions allowed under state law. Last day for absentee voters to return a ballot.
If you missed regular registration, you can still register late in person. In Hill County, late registration is at the Clerk and Recorder’s office in the courthouse, 315 4th St. in Havre (406-265-5481), weekdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can register late until 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, or until noon on Election Day. Ask the county whether the Stone Child College satellite office will be open before Nov. 3. Voters in any other county should check with their own county election office.
Check your registration
People move, change their names or just haven’t voted in a while. Any of those can leave an old record that doesn’t match. Requesting a ballot, updating your registration and casting a vote are separate steps, and each can have its own requirements. Look up your registration through the state’s official lookup or call the county.
Tribal photo ID
A current tribal photo ID is accepted on its own to vote in person in Montana, and it can be used when registering, according to the Secretary of State’s voter ID guide and state law.
That’s the short answer. The longer one is that court cases and changes in how rules are carried out have affected Montana election procedures, and the details can shift. Before Election Day, confirm with your county election office exactly what ID you’ll need and in what situation.
Absentee ballots
Getting an absentee ballot in the mail doesn’t mean it’s been returned or accepted. Under the state calendar, Nov. 3 is the last day to return it.
Don’t count on a postmark. Election procedures can depend on when your ballot is received, not when it was mailed. If time is short, ask the county election office about dropping it off in person, and where.
Find the right polling place
The closest school or the place you voted last time may not be your assigned location. Check before you go.
Out here the distances are long and November weather can turn fast. If you need a ride, line it up early. Voters with disabilities can ask the county about accessible equipment and other assistance the law allows.
Watch for bad information
Screenshots and social media posts keep circulating after dates or rules change. If something you see doesn’t match the state calendar or your county office, go with the official source.
Election night totals are unofficial. They can change during canvassing and certification. The certified count is the final one.
The state also publishes a list of 2026 statewide ballot issues. When you read about a ballot question, check the official wording and keep it separate from what supporters and opponents say about it.
Quick answers
When is Montana’s 2026 general election? Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026.
Is a tribal photo ID accepted? Yes. A current, valid tribal photo ID is accepted for in-person voting and for registration. Check the current requirements with your county election office.
Can KHEW News tell me my polling place? No. Use the official election lookup or call your county election office.
Sources
- Montana official voter calendar
- Montana Secretary of State voter ID guide
- Montana Code 13-13-114
- Hill County voter registration
- Montana 2026 ballot issues
- US Vote Foundation Montana guide
KHEW News based this guide on the official sources listed above, checked Oct. 13, 2026. Dates and rules can change. Confirm with your county election office.
