About Hays — In Depth
Jail & Inmate Records
The Blaine County Detention Center is the primary holding facility For people arrested anywhere in Blaine County. During booking, detainees are fingerprinted, photographed, and have their personal information recorded. Families and attorneys seeking information about detainees can access inmate lookup services through the Sheriff's Office. Visitation at the facility requires advance scheduling and strict compliance with security protocols. Bond and bail procedures follow Montana state guidelines, with release available through cash or surety bonds.
Local specifics: Inmate lookups for individuals arrested in or near Hays can be conducted at apps.flathead.mt.gov.
Arrest Records
The Blaine County Sheriff's Office maintains all arrest records for Blaine County. These records document arrest details, criminal charges, and personal information of those taken into custody. Residents and legal counsel can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly and following procedures established under the Montana Public Records Act. A typical arrest record includes the date of arrest, charges filed, and information about related court proceedings.
Local specifics: Recent arrest records for Hays are published online at apps.flathead.mt.gov.
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Blaine County covers felony, misdemeanor, traffic offenses, and the sex offender registry. Residents can request background checks for employment or personal reasons, which include a review of criminal history across the state.
Local specifics: Statewide criminal background checks covering Hays residents can be requested through dojmt.gov. The standard fee is $20.00 per record request.
Vital Records
The Blaine County Clerk of Court (https://blainecounty.govoffice2.com/index.asp?SEC=A0F3B51B-AD54-4B8B-81BF-80D27F2F6CE1&DE=8ED3D7C8-0F13-4EAC-B1C8-2A3D0FAF5EAE) is the primary source for vital records in Hays, including birth certificates, marriage licenses, and death certificates. Residents can request these documents by mail or in person at the courthouse in the Blaine County seat of Chinook.
Business & Licensing Records
The local economy in Hays covers everything from small family-owned shops to larger commercial operations. haysmontana.com/) supports the business community by offering resources and assistance to both entrepreneurs and established companies. Public records concerning business licensing, zoning regulations, and other regulatory matters are available through the Blaine County Clerk and Recorder's Office (https://blainecounty.govoffice2.com/index.asp?SEC=A0F3B51B-AD54-4B8B-81BF-80D27F2F6CE1&DE=F4F0DADB-2F07-4EAF-B0AC-E6D37C1C2A34).
Economy & Demographics
The economy of Hays, Blaine County, Montana is primarily driven by agriculture and ranching, with many local residents working in the farming and livestock industries. Public records related to the local economy, such as property tax assessments and business licenses, can be obtained through the Blaine County Clerk and Recorder's Office (https://blainecounty.govoffice2.com/index.asp?SEC=A0F3B51B-AD54-4B8B-81BF-80D27F2F6CE1&DE=F4F0DADB-2F07-4EAF-B0AC-E6D37C1C2A34).
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Hays, Montana are administered by the Blaine County Clerk and Recorder, who oversees all voting operations for Blaine County. The office is located at 400 Ohio Street, Chinook, MT 59523, phone (406) 357-3250. Voter registration is available online through the Montana Secretary of State's website at https://sosmt.gov/elections/voter or in person at the Clerk and Recorder's Office. While Montana permits election day registration, regular pre-registration must be completed by noon the day before Election Day.
Acceptable identification includes a Montana driver's license, tribal ID, current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, or government check displaying the voter's name and current address. As an unincorporated community, Hays has no municipal elections for mayor or city council. Instead, residents participate in county, state, and federal elections. Local voters cast ballots in Blaine County Commission races, where three commissioners serve staggered six-year terms, along with elections for Sheriff, Clerk and Recorder, and other constitutional offices. Voters can locate their assigned polling place using the locator at https://app.mt.gov/voterinfo or by contacting the Blaine County elections office. Montana treats voter registration lists as public records available for political purposes. Campaign finance reports are accessible through the Montana Commissioner of Political Practices at https://camptrackmt.gov, while precinct-level election results are posted by the county and available through the Secretary of State. Montana does not have a U.S.Current federal, state, and local election schedules, ballot contests, candidate filings, and certified results for Hays voters are published by the Montana Secretary of State Elections (https://sosmt.gov/elections/). House representative, all state House of Representatives seats (100 seats with two-year terms), half of the state Senate seats (25 seats with four-year staggered terms), and county offices including potential County Commissioner positions. Ballot measures and local school trustee elections are also anticipated. Montana provides absentee voting by mail. Voters can request absentee ballots online at https://sosmt.gov/elections/absentee or through the Blaine County Clerk and Recorder. Absentee ballot applications must be received by noon the day before Election Day, and completed ballots must arrive by 8:00 PM on Election Day.
Public Records Resources for Hays, Montana
Official government websites for Hays, Montana and the surrounding area. We prioritize official government sources (.gov,.us, or.mil) and supplement with verified municipal, county, or statewide portals (.org or.com) where the agency uses a non-government domain.
- Montana Birth and Death Vital RecordsRequest birth and death certificates from the MT Dept. of Public Health and Human Services.
- Montana Business & Corporation SearchFind active and inactive corporations by name from the Montana Secretary of State.
- Montana Death Row inmatesInformation from a non-profit resource about Montana death row inmates.
- Montana Federal CasesSearch the Montana Court system to find information and public records on federal case filings.
- Montana Property RecordsObtain property tax info by contacting the Montana Cadastral Mapping page.
- Montana Unclaimed PropertySearch property and claim status by name or business with National Assoc. of Unclaimed Property Administrators.
- Montana Archival CollectionsMontana historical records, manuscript collections and government records.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register to vote in Hays, Montana?
To register to vote in Hays, Montana, residents can register online through the Montana Secretary of State's website, by mail, or in person at the Blaine County elections office. Montana requires voters to be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old by Election Day, and residents of the state. The registration deadline is typically 30 days before an election. Voters can verify their registration status and find polling locations through the Montana Secretary of State's voter lookup tool. For local county and state elections (Hays is an unincorporated community in Blaine County and does not hold municipal elections), contact the Blaine County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
How do I look up property records in Hays, Montana?
Property records for Hays, Montana are maintained by the Blaine Montana Department of Revenue's Office and the Blaine County Clerk and Recorder. The Assessor's Office is responsible for discovering, listing, and valuing all taxable property within Blaine County, including parcels in Hays. Records available include property ownership, assessed values, legal descriptions, parcel maps, and tax history. The Blaine County Clerk and Recorder maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements. Many Montana counties provide online property record searches through their county websites. The Blaine County Treasurer handles property tax payments and tax sale information.
How do I get a birth or death certificate in Hays, Montana?
Birth, death, and marriage records for Hays, Montana residents are available through both county and state offices. The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Vital Records, located in Helena, maintains statewide vital records and can issue certified copies of birth and death certificates for events occurring anywhere in Montana. Orders can be placed online, by mail, or in person. Locally, the Blaine County Clerk's office issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for Blaine County. Birth and death certificates may also be available through local vital records offices. Requestors typically need to provide valid photo identification and proof of their relationship to the person named on the record. Processing times and fees vary by office and record type.