West Yellowstone, Montana Public Records

The state requires voters to register by noon the day before Election Day, though late registration is permitted on Election Day at the Gallatin County election office or polling place with proof of identity and residency. Acceptable identification includes a Montana driver's license, tribal ID, current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, or government check showing the voter's name and current address. The town conducts municipal elections for mayor and town council positions in odd-numbered years. West Yellowstone operates under a mayor-council form of government with council elections typically held in November. The next municipal election is scheduled for November 2025, when voters will decide town council seats. Elections are nonpartisan at the municipal level. Candidate filing information and local ballot measures specific to the community are posted at Town Hall and on the Gallatin County Elections website as filing periods approach. Residents vote at their assigned polling place; the primary polling location is typically the West Yellowstone Community Center or Town Hall. Voters can look up their specific polling place, sample ballot, and voter registration status at https://app.mt.gov/voterinfo through the Montana Secretary of State's My Voter Page. Montana election records are largely public under state law. Voter registration lists, excluding some personal information like birth dates and driver's license numbers, are available for purchase for political purposes. Campaign finance reports for candidates and political committees are searchable through the Montana Commissioner of Political Practices at https://cers-ext.mt.gov/CampaignTracker/public. Candidate filing information is maintained by the Gallatin County election office for local races and by the Secretary of State for state and federal offices. Precinct-level election results are published by the Gallatin County election office following certification, typically within two weeks of Election Day. In the November 2024 general election, Gallatin County reported approximately 78% voter turnout among registered voters, with over 72,000 ballots cast from a county that has grown to over 120,000 residents. The local precinct reported turnout consistent with county averages. The November 3, 2026 general election will include significant races for West Yellowstone and Gallatin County voters. Montana will hold elections for U.S. Senate (Montana has two Senate seats; voters should check which if any is up in 2026), U.S. House of Representatives (Montana has two congressional districts following redistricting; West Yellowstone is in District 2), Montana State Senate and House of Representatives districts covering Gallatin County, and various county offices including commissioners, sheriff, attorney, clerk and recorder, and other constitutional offices depending on term expiration. State judicial retention elections may also appear on the ballot. Local voters will decide any municipal issues if a special election is called, though regular town elections occur in odd years. Montana does not hold gubernatorial elections in 2026, as the governor serves a four-year term with elections in presidential years. Montana provides no-excuse absentee voting; any registered voter may request an absentee ballot without providing a reason. Absentee ballot request forms are available at https://sosmt.gov/elections/absentee or by contacting the Gallatin County Election Administrator at 406-582-3060. Absentee ballot requests must be received by the Gallatin County election office by noon the day before Election Day, though it is recommended to request well in advance to ensure timely delivery. Completed absentee ballots must be returned by 8:00 PM on Election Day either by mail (postmark does not count; must be received by deadline) or by deposit in designated drop boxes located at the Gallatin County Courthouse and other county locations. Montana law allows election administrators to mail ballots to all registered voters in precincts with fewer than 400 voters, which may apply to West Yellowstone depending on precinct size. Military and overseas voters have special provisions under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA) with extended deadlines.