Many Montanans can now cast votes in the 2020 general election.
Lewis and Clark County Elections Supervisor Audrey McCue said foot traffic was pretty steady at the county building in Helena Friday.
“We have seen a lot of people coming in today to request ballots.”
Starting Friday, Montanans in counties that are conducting the election by all-mail ballot voting are able to pick up and return absentee ballots in person at county election offices. Forty-five of the state’s 56 counties have plans to hold the election by mail.
Starting Monday, absentee ballots will be available in counties that are conducting traditional elections with in-person polling places.
Voters will decide on competitive races for the governor’s office, a U.S. Senate seat and Montana’s lone U.S. House seat. Legalizing recreational marijuana is also on the ballot.
County elections administrators are required to send mail and absentee ballots Friday, Oct. 9. The ballots can be returned by mail or in person at county buildings. Some counties are offering multiple drop-off locations.
Ballots must be received by Election Day, Nov. 3.
Broadwater, Carbon, Chouteau, Fergus, Mineral, Petroleum, Powder River, Powell, Stillwater, Treasure and Wilbaux counties are holding traditional in-person voting.
McCue said if voters are worried about their ballot arriving on time, they can always drop it off in person or check the My Voter Page on the Secretary of State's website to see if the ballot was recieved.
“Our general advice, because we have some people mailing from farther away and because it’s what can be guaranteed, is mailing a week before election day.”