Volborg, Montana Public Records

Registration must be completed at least 30 days before an election, though Montana does permit Election Day registration at county election offices and certain polling places. Voters need to present identification, which can be a Montana driver's license, state ID, tribal ID, current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, or government check displaying the voter's name and current address. As an unincorporated community, the area has no municipal government and therefore no local elections for mayor or city council. Residents participate in federal, state, and county elections instead. County-level races include County Commissioners, Sheriff, County Attorney, Clerk and Recorder, Treasurer, Assessor, and other positions, generally elected in even-numbered years on staggered schedules. Montana state legislative elections occur biennially for all 100 House seats and half of the 50 Senate seats. The community falls within specific House and Senate districts that residents can verify at https://app.mt.gov/voterinfo. Finding an assigned polling place is straightforward using the Montana Voter Information Portal at https://app.mt.gov/voterinfo, where voters enter their name and date of birth or address to view polling locations, sample ballots, and registration status. Given the remote location and small population, polling is often consolidated at a community center or other central location, meaning some residents travel considerable distances to cast ballots. Montana permits no-excuse absentee voting, allowing any registered voter to request an absentee ballot without stating a reason. Requests can be submitted online, by mail, or in person at the Custer County Elections Office. Absentee ballot applications must arrive by noon the day before the election, though earlier submission is advisable. Early voting in person begins 30 days before Election Day at the Custer County election office. Public election records in Montana include voter registration lists (available for political purposes under Montana Code Annotated § 13-2-110), campaign finance reports filed with the Commissioner of Political Practices (accessible at https://cers-ext.mt.gov), candidate filings and ballot information, and official election results by precinct. Custer County posts election results on the Custer County website and the Montana Secretary of State's site after certification. During the November 2024 presidential election, Custer County reported voter turnout of approximately 65-70%, with the county strongly favoring Republican candidates, consistent with southeastern Montana's conservative voting patterns. Looking toward the November 3, 2026 general election, voters in the area will decide several significant races. Montana's U.S. Senate seat currently held by Jon Tester or Steve Daines (depending on which seat's term expires in 2026, Tester's seat is up in 2024, Daines in 2026, so the 2026 ballot will feature Daines' seat or the other seat depending on current term) will not be on the 2026 ballot, as Montana's Senate seats are up in 2024 and 2028. However, Montana's at-large U.S. House seat (or if redistricting created two seats post-2020, the applicable district seat) will be on the ballot. Montana does not hold gubernatorial elections in 2026; the governor is elected in presidential years (next in 2028). State legislative races for Montana House and Senate will appear for the local district. County offices up for election in 2026 may include County Commissioners (three members serving staggered six-year terms), and potentially other county positions depending on term expirations. Voters should consult the Custer County Elections Office or the Secretary of State for confirmed candidate lists and ballot measures as the election approaches.