Savage, Montana Public Records

The office maintains voter registration rolls, processes new registrations and updates, coordinates poll worker recruitment and training, and certifies election results for county, state, and federal contests. Montana residents may register to vote online through the Montana Secretary of State's website at https://sosmt.gov/elections/vote or by submitting a paper voter registration form to the Richland County Election Administrator. Registration requirements include U.S. Citizenship, being at least 18 years old by the next election, residing in Montana and Richland County for at least 30 days prior to the election, and not currently serving a sentence in a correctional facility for a felony conviction. Montana offers same-day voter registration, allowing eligible residents to register and vote on Election Day at their polling place or county election office. For those registering by mail or online before Election Day, the deadline is noon the day before the election. Late registrants must provide proof of identity and residency. Acceptable forms of ID include a Montana driver's license, tribal ID, current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, government check, or other government document showing name and current address. As an unincorporated community without its own municipal government, Savage has no city elections, mayor, or city council positions. Residents participate in Richland County, state, and federal elections instead. County elections include races for County Commissioners (three positions elected to six-year staggered terms), Sheriff, County Attorney, Clerk and Recorder, Treasurer, Assessor, Superintendent of Schools, Coroner, and other county offices. These positions are typically contested in even-numbered years during primary elections (June) and general elections (November). Voters can find their assigned polling location by visiting https://app.mt.gov/voterinfo or by contacting the Richland County Election Administrator at (406) 433-1708. Montana assigns voters to specific precincts based on residential address, with polling places typically located in community centers, schools, or government buildings. Polls are open from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM Mountain Time on Election Day. Any voter in line at 8:00 PM is permitted to vote. Montana makes extensive election records publicly available. Voter registration lists are public records available from the Richland County election administrator, though some information such as dates of birth and driver's license numbers is redacted for privacy. Campaign finance reports for candidates and political committees are searchable online through the Montana Commissioner of Political Practices at https://capp-mt.gov. Candidate filing information, including declarations of candidacy and nominating petitions, is available from the Richland County election office for local races and the Secretary of State for state and federal races. Precinct-level election results are published by the county and Secretary of State following certification, providing detailed vote totals by geographic area and race. In the November 2024 presidential election, Richland County recorded approximately 65% voter turnout of registered voters, with strong support for Republican candidates consistent with Richland County's conservative voting patterns. County-wide, approximately 80% of voters supported the Republican presidential candidate, reflecting the rural, agricultural, and energy-industry character of the electorate. On November 3, 2026, Savage and Richland County voters will participate in Montana's general election for state and federal offices. Montana will elect a United States Senator, as one of Montana's two U.S. Senate seats is up for election in 2026. Montana will also elect its lone U.S. Representative to Congress from Montana's 2nd Congressional District, which includes Richland County following redistricting after the 2020 Census restored Montana's second House seat. State-level races include Montana's Governor and Lieutenant Governor (elected jointly), Secretary of State, Attorney General, State Auditor, and Superintendent of Public Instruction - all four-year terms coinciding with midterm federal elections. Montana State Senate District 17 and Montana State House Districts 33 and 34, which cover Richland County, will have legislative races if seats are up in the regular rotation. County-level offices including County Commissioners, Sheriff, and other constitutional offices may appear on the ballot depending on term expiration schedules. Primary elections will be held in June 2026 to determine party nominees for the November general election. Montana offers no-excuse absentee voting, allowing any registered voter to request a mail ballot without providing a reason. Voters may request absentee ballots online at https://sosmt.gov/elections, by contacting the Richland County Election Administrator by phone at (406) 433-1708 or mail at 201 West Main Street, Sidney, MT 59270, or in person at the election office. Absentee ballot requests must be received by noon the day before Election Day, though earlier requests are encouraged to ensure timely ballot delivery. Montana also allows early in-person voting at the Richland County election office beginning 30 days before Election Day. Completed absentee ballots must be received by the Richland County election office by 8:00 PM on Election Day, either by mail (postmark does not count - actual receipt required), by drop box if available, or by personal delivery to the election office or polling place.