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. 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. The local precinct reported turnout consistent with county averages. Montana will hold elections for U.S.Current federal, state, and local election schedules, ballot contests, candidate filings, and certified results for West voters are published by the Montana Secretary of State Elections (https://sosmt.gov/elections/).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 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.