Forsyth, Montana Public Records

Montana residents may register to vote online through the Montana Secretary of State at https://sosmt.gov/elections/vote/, by mail using a voter registration form, or in person at the Rosebud County election office. The state offers same-day voter registration, allowing eligible citizens to register and vote on Election Day at their polling place or the Rosebud County election office with proper identification. Acceptable IDs include a Montana driver's license, tribal ID, student ID from a Montana institution, current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, or government check showing the voter's name and current address. The voter registration deadline for advance registration is 5:00 PM the day before Election Day, though same-day registration remains available. Montana does not require party registration. Municipal elections in the city are held in even-numbered years in November for city offices including mayor and city council positions. The next municipal elections will occur on November 3, 2026, concurrent with state and federal races. The community operates under a mayor-council form of government with four council members and a mayor elected to four-year staggered terms. Local ballot measures, if any, are also decided during general elections. Information about municipal candidates and local issues can be obtained from the Forsyth City Clerk at City Hall, 1007 Main Street (phone: 406-346-2352), or from the Rosebud County election office. Residents find their assigned polling place through the Montana Secretary of State's My Voter Page at https://app.mt.gov/voterinfo/, where voters enter their name and date of birth to view registration status, polling location, sample ballot, and election information. Rosebud County typically operates several polling places on Election Day, with voters in the city generally assigned to locations in town such as the Rosebud County Courthouse or community centers, depending on precinct boundaries. Montana public records law makes substantial election information publicly accessible. Voter registration lists are available for purchase for political purposes under Montana Code Annotated § 13-2-220; lists include names, addresses, and voting history but not birthdates or driver's license numbers. Campaign finance reports for state and local candidates are filed with the Montana Commissioner of Political Practices and searchable at https://capp-mt.gov/, showing contributions, expenditures, and donor information. Candidate filings and nomination petitions are public records maintained by the election administrator. Precinct-level election results are certified and published by the county, with statewide results compiled by the Secretary of State. In the November 2024 general election, Rosebud County reported voter turnout of approximately 70-75% of registered voters, reflecting strong participation in the presidential election, consistent with Montana's historically high turnout rates in rural counties. Detailed precinct results for the county are available through the election office and the Montana Secretary of State's election results portal. The November 3, 2026 general election will feature critical races for Montana voters. The U.S. Senate seat currently held by Jon Tester or Steve Daines (depending on the six-year cycle) may be on the ballot if the term expires in 2026; Montana voters should verify which Senate seat is up. Montana does not have a gubernatorial election in 2026 (the governor serves a four-year term with elections in 2024, 2028, etc.). However, Montana's at-large U.S. House seat will be on the ballot, along with state legislative seats for portions of the Montana Senate (25 of 50 seats on four-year rotating cycles) and all 100 Montana House seats (two-year terms). Rosebud County voters will elect county commissioners (staggered terms), county attorney, sheriff, clerk and recorder, treasurer, assessor, and other constitutional county offices depending on the rotation. City offices including mayor and council seats may also appear on the ballot. Voters should consult sample ballots available from the election office approximately 30 days before the election. Montana offers absentee voting without requiring an excuse. Any registered voter may request an absentee ballot by submitting a written request to the Rosebud County Election Administrator by 5:00 PM the day before Election Day, though earlier requests (by mid-October) are recommended to ensure timely delivery. Absentee ballot request forms are available at https://sosmt.gov/elections/absentee/ or from the Rosebud County election office. Completed absentee ballots must be received by the Rosebud County election office by 8:00 PM on Election Day; postmarks do not count. Montana law allows ballot drop boxes and in-person absentee voting at the Rosebud County election office beginning 30 days before Election Day, providing flexible options for local voters.