The Gallatin County Elections Department mailed more than 77,500 ballots to active registered voters for the upcoming School and Special Purpose District elections on April 17. The election will be conducted entirely by mail, with no polling places open on Election Day.
These elections include contests in various school districts as well as special districts such as fire, resort area, and hospital. Only voters residing within the boundaries of these districts will receive a ballot. Voters are expected to receive their ballots in the mail by this weekend or early next week. Sample ballots are available at www.MyVoterPageMT.com.
A new Montana law now requires voters to include their birth year along with their signature when returning mail ballots. Ballots missing this information cannot be counted unless corrected by May 6. The Elections Office will contact affected voters using information on file to help resolve any issues promptly.
Ballots can be returned either by mail or in person at several locations including the Gallatin County Elections Office at 311 W. Main St., room 210 in Bozeman; Belgrade School District Administration Office; Ridge View Elementary School; and BASE Community Center in Big Sky. All drop-off sites are open during regular business hours through May 4 and from 7 AM to 8 PM on Election Day itself.
There are no filed write-in candidates for this election, so recent state requirements mean there will not be write-in lines on any ballot unless a candidate has filed for that option.
Gallatin County is currently in its late registration period for the election. Registration updates must be made in person at the Gallatin County Courthouse until Election Day, except for a brief closure from noon on May 4 until polls open again at 7 AM on May 5 when same-day registration resumes.
Gallatin County operates as a local government entity dedicated to managing public records and elections according to its official website. It also promotes historical preservation through partnerships like the Gallatin Historical Society and features natural resources such as the Gallatin River known for its fisheries and clean water according to county sources. The county ranks as both the most populous and fastest-growing area in southwest Montana according to officials.
