Denton, Montana Public Records

Montana residents, including those in this community, can register to vote online through the Montana Secretary of State's website at https://sosmt.gov/elections/vote or by submitting a paper application to the Fergus County election office. The state offers same-day voter registration, meaning qualified residents can register and vote on Election Day itself at their polling place or the Fergus County elections office. Voters must bring proof of identity and residence, such as a Montana driver's license, state ID, tribal ID, or a current utility bill. While the standard registration deadline for those wanting a ballot mailed to them is 30 days before Election Day, same-day registration remains an option for anyone who misses that window. Because Denton is an unincorporated community without a mayor, city council, or formal local government structure, it does not hold municipal elections. Residents instead participate in county, state, and federal contests. County elections typically include races for commissioners, sheriff, county attorney, clerk and recorder, treasurer, assessor, and other constitutional offices, most with four-year terms on a rotating schedule. School district trustee elections for local elementary districts also appear on ballots. Those living in the area can find their assigned polling place by visiting https://app.mt.gov/voterinfo or contacting the Fergus County election office directly. Polling locations are determined by precinct boundaries, and Denton falls within a rural precinct that may vote at a community center, school, or church in or near town, though locations can change and voters should verify before each election. Montana public records law makes certain election records accessible to the public. Voter registration lists are available for purchase for political purposes under MCA § 13-2-220. Campaign finance records, including contributions and expenditures for candidates and ballot committees, are searchable through the Montana Commissioner of Political Practices at https://camptrack.mt.gov. Candidate filing information and ballot measures are posted by the Secretary of State and county election offices. Precinct-level election results become public after canvassing. In the November 2024 presidential election, Fergus County reported approximately 62-65% voter turnout, with over 5,800 ballots cast out of roughly 9,000 registered voters. The county has historically leaned Republican in statewide and national contests. On November 3, 2026, Denton and Fergus County voters will decide several significant races. Montana does not have a U.S. Senate seat up for election in 2026 (the next Senate race is in 2026 for the seat currently held by Jon Tester, who lost reelection in 2024, meaning the seat will be held by the newly elected senator through 2030). However, all of Montana's U.S. House seats (currently two districts following redistricting) will be on the ballot. Montana does not hold gubernatorial elections in 2026; the next governor's race is in 2028. State legislative races for Montana House of Representatives (all 100 seats) and half of the Montana State Senate seats will be contested. Fergus County offices up for election in 2026 may include county commissioner seats, depending on the rotation, and possibly other county positions. Montana offers absentee voting for any registered voter who wishes to vote by mail. Requests for absentee ballots can be submitted online, by mail, or in person to the Fergus County Election Office. The state automatically mails ballots to voters who have requested absentee status. Absentee ballot applications must be received by the county by noon the day before Election Day, though voters are encouraged to request ballots earlier. Completed ballots must be received by 8:00 PM on Election Day, either by mail (postmark does not count, must be received by deadline), by drop box if available, or hand-delivered to the Fergus County election office or polling place.