Local Government / Voter Registration

Missoula’s self-governing powers give the city all authority not specifically prohibited by the Legislature. Missoula has a mayor/council form of government. Twelve non-partisan council members are elected for staggered terms in odd-numbered years in November for four-year terms. Offices are located at 435 Ryman, Missoula, MT 59802. The City Council meets Monday, 7pm, City Council Chambers, 140 W. Pine, and is televised live on MCAT

Neighborhood Councils

Missoula is divided into 17 districts. Each district selects a leadership team to do administrative work and sends a representative to the city’s Community Forum to advise city officials on local issues and concerns. Forum meets the 4th Thursday, 7pm. in various locations. 552-6081 (staff)

Registering to Vote

A citizen may register any time up to and including the 30th day before an election at the Election Office, Missoula County Courthouse, the Montana Motor Vehicle Division, 2681 Palmer St., Suite A, Missoula (329-1355) when renewing his/her driver’s license, or by printing an application online at: www.co.missoula.mt.us/Election and mailing to the Election Office. A driver’s license number, the last 4 digits of Social Security number, photo ID or utility bill with current address is required for identification.

Late Registration

Beginning 30 days before an election, citizens may register and vote up to and on election day at the Missoula County Fairground’s Election Center for all except school elections.

Failure to Vote

Failure to vote in two consecutive federal general elections may result in the removal of the elector’s name from the voter rolls unless he replies to mailed confirmation notices.

Montana Elections

Voters must show identification at the polls to vote. These may include a voter registration card, driver’s license, tribal or student ID, or any other photo ID that includes the voter’s name. A current utility bill, bank statement, pay check, government check or other document that includes the voter’s name and current address may also be used.

Voters who forget identification or are not listed in the poll book may vote in their precinct using a provisional ballot, which will be counted when election officials have successfully verified the voter’s identity and registration.

Absentee Ballots may be requested for upcoming and/or all future elections from the Election Office in writing beginning 75 days before an election and ending at noon the day before the election, except for overseas military personnel who may request one at any time. Any voter may request to be put on an annual absentee list to receive absentee ballots for all elections for which they are eligible to vote in that year.

Primary elections for county, state and federal office are held on the 1st Tuesday after the 1st Monday in June in even numbered years. Montana law provides for an open primary, which means that the party choice of the voter is secret. Voters must vote for candidates of only one party in the primary.

City elections are held on the 1st Tuesday after the 1st Monday in November in odd-numbered years. Primaries may be held on the 2nd Tuesday in September.

School districts, community councils, fire and irrigation districts hold their elections every year on the 1st Tuesday in May. Both the city of Missoula and school districts have the opportunity to hold elections by mail-in ballot. Contact the elections office for more information.

Voter Information

Missoula County Election Office (406) 258-4751
County Courthouse
200 W. Broadway, Missoula, MT 59802
www.co.missoula.mt.us/Election

U.S. citizens may become voters for national, state and local elections if they meet the following requirements:
• Citizen of the United States
• Eighteen years old or older at the time of election
• Resident of the state, county and precinct for at least 30 days prior to the election.
• Registered to vote
Montana Voter Information Hotline 1-888-884-8683