Toston, Montana Public Records

While the Sheriff's Office manages county-wide responsibilities, the Townsend department concentrates on city-specific matters, with both agencies collaborating to maintain safety and order throughout Broadwater County.

Montana state law governs the bond and bail process, which may allow for pretrial release upon payment of a designated amount. Those seeking information about recent arrests can contact the detention center directly or access available online resources.

Montana residents can register to vote online at https://sosmt.gov/elections/voter, the Montana Secretary of State's elections portal, or by completing a paper voter registration form available from the Broadwater County election office or downloadable from the Secretary of State's website. The state offers same-day voter registration, enabling residents to register and vote on Election Day at their polling place or election office with proper identification. Acceptable ID includes a Montana driver's license, state ID card, tribal ID, U.S. Passport, military ID, or certain other government-issued documents; students can use current student ID with a current utility bill or bank statement showing name and current address. Because Toston is an unincorporated community, there are no municipal elections for mayor or city council. Residents instead participate in federal, state, and county elections. Polling place assignments are determined by precinct; residents can look up their specific polling location, sample ballot, and voter registration status at https://app.mt.gov/voterinfo/, the Montana My Voter Page maintained by the Secretary of State. During the November 2024 general election, Broadwater County recorded approximately 60-65% voter turnout with roughly 3,400 to 3,600 ballots cast out of approximately 5,400 registered voters; the county historically leans Republican in statewide and federal contests. Looking ahead to the November 3, 2026 general election, Toston and Broadwater County voters will decide several significant races. Montana will hold elections for one U.S. Senate seat (Class II seat, currently held depending on the cycle), one U.S. House seat (Montana has two congressional districts as of the 2020 redistricting; Toston is in the Second District), Governor and Lieutenant Governor (four-year terms), Secretary of State, Attorney General, State Auditor, and Superintendent of Public Instruction. State legislative races will include Montana State Senate District 36 and Montana House of Representatives District 71 (districts subject to verification based on current boundaries). County-level races may include Broadwater County Commissioners, Sheriff, County Attorney, Clerk and Recorder, Treasurer, Assessor, and other county offices depending on term schedules. School board elections and potential local ballot measures may also appear. Montana election records that are publicly accessible include the statewide voter registration list (available with restrictions under MCA 13-2-220), campaign finance reports filed with the Montana Commissioner of Political Practices (searchable at https://capp-mt.gov/), candidate filings and declarations available through the Secretary of State and county election offices, and certified election results by precinct published after each election. Montana is a vote-by-mail state where all registered voters automatically receive a ballot in the mail approximately 20 days before Election Day. Voters may return ballots by mail (must be postmarked by Election Day), at secure drop boxes located throughout Broadwater County, or in person at the Broadwater County election office. In-person voting is also available at the Broadwater County election office during a designated early voting period and on Election Day. Absentee ballots are the standard mail ballots sent to all voters; voters who need replacement ballots or who register close to Election Day can request ballots through the Broadwater County election office.