Anaconda, Montana Public Records

Montana voters can register online through the Montana Secretary of State's My Voter Page at https://sosmt.gov/elections/vote, by mail using a form available from the Deer Lodge County election office or downloadable from the Secretary of State's website, or in person at the Clerk and Recorder's office. The state offers Election Day registration, allowing qualified residents to register and vote on Election Day at their polling place or election office with proper identification and proof of residence. For elections other than Election Day, the voter registration deadline is the close of regular business hours on the day before the election. Montana requires voters to provide identification; acceptable forms include Montana driver's license, state ID card, tribal ID, current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, government check, or other government document showing name and current address. Municipal elections in the area are conducted for the offices of Chief Executive (analogous to mayor), members of the Consolidated Government Council (legislative body), and other local offices as applicable. Due to the 1977 consolidation creating Anaconda-Deer Lodge County as a unified governmental entity, traditional "city council" elections are actually consolidated government council elections representing both municipal and county interests. These local elections typically occur in odd-numbered years on dates set by local ordinance. The next consolidated government elections will be determined by local election schedules; voters should contact the Election Administrator at (406) 563-4020 for current candidate lists, filing deadlines, and local ballot measures. Residents can find their assigned polling place by using the Montana Secretary of State's polling place lookup tool at https://sosmt.gov/elections/vote or by contacting the Election Administrator directly at (406) 563-4020. Polling locations are published in advance of each election in local newspapers and on the Deer Lodge County election website. Montana has transitioned to predominantly mail-ballot voting for most elections, with in-person voting available at designated polling places and the election office. Montana public records law makes extensive election related information publicly accessible. Voter registration lists are available for purchase for political purposes per MCA 13-2-110, though individual voter records are subject to privacy protections. Campaign finance reports for local candidates and ballot issue committees must be filed with the Montana Commissioner of Political Practices and are searchable online at https://cers-ext.mt.gov. Candidate filings, nomination petitions, and declarations of candidacy are public records maintained by the Election Administrator. Election results by precinct are public records available from the Deer Lodge County election office after canvassing and certification. In the November 2024 presidential election, Deer Lodge County reported voter turnout of approximately 68-72% of registered voters, reflecting Montana's traditionally high participation rates in presidential elections. The county has historically trended Republican in recent presidential elections, though local races often feature competitive nonpartisan and Democratic candidates. The November 3, 2026 general election will present voters with several significant races. Montana's U.S. Senate seat currently held by Jon Tester is not up for election in 2026 (next election 2030); however, Montana's other U.S. Senate seat and the state's two U.S. House seats will be on the ballot depending on the election cycle. Montana does not hold gubernatorial elections in 2026 (next governor's race is 2028). State legislative races will be critical, with all 100 Montana House of Representatives seats and half of the 50 Montana Senate seats up for election. Local voters elect representatives to House District 78 and Senate District 39 (district numbers subject to redistricting). County-level races in 2026 will include various Anaconda-Deer Lodge County offices depending on term schedules, potentially including County Attorney, Clerk and Recorder, Treasurer, Sheriff/Law Enforcement Chief, and Consolidated Government Council members. Judicial retention elections for Third Judicial District Court judges may also appear on the ballot. Voters should consult the Election Administrator closer to the election for confirmed candidate lists and ballot measures. Montana offers absentee voting to all registered voters without requiring an excuse. Voters can request an absentee ballot through the My Voter Page at https://sosmt.gov/elections/vote, by submitting a written request to the Election Administrator, or by calling (406) 563-4020. Montana has implemented permanent absentee voter status for voters who wish to automatically receive ballots by mail for all elections. Absentee ballot requests must be received by the Election Administrator by 5:00 PM the day before Election Day for regular absentee voting. Completed absentee ballots must be received (not just postmarked) by 8:00 PM on Election Day. Montana provides ballot drop boxes and in-person absentee voting at the election office beginning 30 days before Election Day.