Forest Grove, Montana Public Records

The partnership between the Sheriff's Office and municipal police strengthens public safety throughout Fergus County, making sure of residents have access to professional law enforcement regardless of where they live.

Montana residents in the community can register to vote online through the Montana Secretary of State's website at https://sosmt.gov/elections/. Online registration requires a valid Montana driver's license or state ID. Registration is also available by mail or in person at the Clerk and Recorder's office. The state allows same-day voter registration, so eligible residents can register and vote on Election Day at their polling place or the Fergus County elections office. The advance registration deadline is noon the day before Election Day. Applicants must be U.S. Citizens, at least 18 years old by Election Day, and Montana residents for at least 30 days. Party registration is not required; voters may request any party's primary ballot. As an unincorporated community, Forest Grove does not hold separate municipal elections for mayor or city council. Residents participate in federal, state, and county elections instead. Local voters cast ballots in Fergus County Commission races, where three commissioners serve staggered six-year terms, along with countywide offices including Sheriff, County Attorney, Clerk and Recorder, Treasurer, Assessor, and other positions typically elected in even-numbered years. State legislative elections include Montana House of Representatives and Senate seats, with the area assigned to legislative districts determined by redistricting. Residents can find their assigned polling place using the Montana Secretary of State's polling place locator at https://sosmt.gov/elections/ or by contacting the Fergus County elections office at (406) 535-8340. Precinct boundaries determine polling place assignments. Polls are open from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM on Election Day. Voters must present identification such as a Montana driver's license, tribal ID, current utility bill, bank statement, or other approved documents. Montana provides broad public access to election records. Voter registration lists are available for purchase for political purposes under MCA 13-2-220. Campaign finance reports for candidates and political committees are searchable through the Montana Commissioner of Political Practices at https://camptrack.gov.mt.gov/. Candidate filings and declarations are public records maintained by the Fergus County elections office and the Secretary of State. The Clerk and Recorder posts precinct-level election results following certification, and statewide results are available through the Secretary of State's website. In the November 2024 presidential election, Fergus County reported voter turnout of approximately 68-72% of registered voters, consistent with Montana's typically high participation rates in general elections. County voters historically lean Republican in federal and state contests, though local races are often nonpartisan or determined by individual candidate strength. On November 3, 2026, voters in the area and throughout Fergus County will decide several important races. Montana does not have a U.S. Senate seat up in 2026 (Montana's Senate seats are next contested in 2026 for the seat currently held by Jon Tester, depending on 2024 results). Montana will not elect a Governor in 2026; the gubernatorial election occurs in 2024 with the next in 2028. However, 2026 will feature elections for Montana's at-large U.S. House of Representatives seat (or two seats if reapportionment creates a second district), all 100 Montana House seats, half of the 50 Montana Senate seats, and Fergus County offices including potential races for County Commissioner, Sheriff, and other countywide positions depending on term expirations. Voters should check with the Fergus County elections office in early 2026 for confirmed candidate filings and ballot measures. Montana offers absentee voting by mail for any voter who requests it. Requests can be made by contacting the Fergus County Clerk and Recorder's office at (406) 535-8340 or applying online through the Secretary of State's website. Absentee ballot applications must be received by noon the day before Election Day, though earlier requests are encouraged. Montana also allows all voters to vote by mail permanently upon request. Completed absentee ballots must be received by the Fergus County elections office by 8:00 PM on Election Day; postmarks do not extend the deadline. Ballots can be returned by mail or delivered in person to the elections office or designated drop boxes in Fergus County.