Ekalaka, Montana Public Records

Residents can register to vote online through the Montana Secretary of State's website at https://sosmt.gov/elections/voter-registration/ up until noon the day before Election Day, though Montana also permits same-day registration at polling places. Registration requires a valid Montana driver's license or ID card number, or the last four digits of a Social Security number. The state uses an open primary system with no party registration required, allowing voters to choose which party's ballot to vote on Election Day. Because the community is unincorporated, there are no municipal elections for mayor or city council. Instead, residents participate in Carter County, state, and federal elections. County races typically include contests for County Commissioner, with three members elected to staggered six-year terms, along with Sheriff, County Attorney, Clerk and Recorder, Assessor, Treasurer, and other county offices. Most positions come up for election every four years during presidential or midterm cycles. To find their assigned polling place, residents can contact the County Election Administrator at (406) 775-8740 or check the Montana Secretary of State's polling place lookup at https://app.mt.gov/voterinfo/. Given Carter County's small size, the entire town typically votes at a single location, usually a public building such as the Community Hall or the Carter County Courthouse. Montana provides extensive public access to election records. Voter registration lists are available for purchase for political purposes under Montana Code Annotated § 13-2-220, though they aren't freely downloadable online. Campaign finance reports for local, state, and federal candidates can be searched through the Montana Commissioner of Political Practices at https://capp-mt.gov/, where the public can review contribution and expenditure reports for candidates and political committees. Candidate filings and ballot measure information are available through the Secretary of State at https://sosmt.gov. Precinct-level election results for the county are posted by the County Election Administrator following certification and compiled statewide by the Secretary of State. Montana's However, one of Montana's two U.S. House seats, the state gained a second seat after the 2020 census - will be up for election, and the community is located in Montana's 2nd Congressional District.Current federal, state, and local election schedules, ballot contests, candidate filings, and certified results for Ekalaka voters are published by the Montana Secretary of State Elections (https://sosmt.gov/elections/). State legislative races will include Montana Senate District 19 and Montana House District 37, which represent Carter County. Voters should check with the Carter County Election Office in early 2026 for the final certified list of races and candidates. Montana voters can request absentee ballots through the County Election Administrator. Applications can be submitted online, by mail, or in person, and must be received by noon the day before Election Day. Absentee ballots can be returned by mail - they must be postmarked by Election Day and received by 8:00 PM on Election Day - delivered in person to the election office, or placed in an official ballot drop box if available. Montana allows any registered voter to vote absentee without providing an excuse. County election officials encourage voters living on remote ranches, some located 50 or more miles from town, to use absentee voting for convenience.