About Westby — In Depth
Jail & Inmate Records
The Sheridan County Detention Center in Plentywood is the primary holding facility For people arrested throughout Sheridan County. During booking, detainees are photographed and fingerprinted, with their information entered into the county records system. Family members and attorneys can obtain information about current detainees through inmate lookup services provided by the Sheriff's Office. Visitation at the facility requires advance scheduling and adherence to specific rules. Bond and bail procedures follow Montana state guidelines, which allow for release pending court appearances.
Arrest Records
The Sheridan County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records for the area, documenting the circumstances surrounding each arrest along with charges and booking details. Residents and attorneys seeking access to these records can contact the Sheriff's Office directly, following the procedures outlined under the Montana Public Records Act. Each arrest record typically includes personal information about the individual, the date of arrest, specific charges filed, and any conditions of bail that were set.
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Sheridan County cover felony, misdemeanor, and traffic offenses, as well as entries in the sex offender registry. Residents can request background checks through the Montana Department of Justice, which provides statewide criminal history information. The Montana Department of Justice offers additional resources for accessing criminal records, so that Sheridan County residents have access to background information.
Vital Records
Birth, death, and marriage records for Westby residents are maintained by the Sheridan County Clerk of Court. To obtain copies of these vital records, individuals can visit the Sheridan County Courthouse at 100 West Laurel Street, Plentywood, MT 59254, or call (406) 765-1721.
Business & Licensing Records
Business related public records, including business licenses and permits, are overseen by the Westby Chamber of Commerce. The chamber's office is, Westby, MT 59275, and can be reached at (406) 385-2555. A business directory for the community is available on the chamber's website at https://westbychamber.org.
Economy & Demographics
Information about the local economy and employment in Westby can be found through the Montana Department of Labor and Industry, which maintains data on the town's industries, wages, and workforce. This information is available online at https://lmi.mt.gov or by contacting the department's Plentywood office at (406) 765-1515.
Elections & Voter Records
Voters in Westby, Montana are served by the Sheridan County Election Office, administered by the Sheridan County Clerk and Recorder at 100 West Laurel Avenue, Plentywood, Montana 59254. The office handles voter registration questions, absentee ballot requests, polling place information, and general election administration inquiries at (406) 765-3301. Residents can register to vote through Montana's online system at https://sosmt.gov/elections/voter/ via the Montana Secretary of State's website, or submit paper forms to the Clerk and Recorder.
Montana permits Election Day voter registration, allowing residents to register and vote simultaneously at their polling place or the Sheridan County election office, though advance registration by the close of business the day before Election Day is encouraged. Valid photo identification or two forms of identification are required. Since the community is unincorporated without municipal government, there are no city council or mayoral elections here. Instead, residents vote in county, state, and federal contests. Sheridan County holds elections for county commissioners (three seats with staggered terms), Sheriff, County Attorney, Clerk and Recorder, Treasurer, Assessor, and other county offices. Local voters also participate in Montana state legislative elections for the State Senate and State House of Representatives, with the area falling within House District 33 and Senate District 17 of the Montana Legislature. To locate their assigned polling place, residents can contact the Sheridan County Election Office at (406) 765-3301 or use the Montana Secretary of State's polling place lookup tool at https://app.mt.gov/voterinfo/. The community typically maintains a polling place at the Westby School or community center, though voters should confirm their location before each election. Montana law (MCA Title 13) makes numerous election records publicly accessible, including voter registration lists (with certain personal information excluded), campaign finance reports filed with the Commissioner of Political Practices (searchable at https://cers-ext.mt.gov/), candidate filings and petitions, precinct-level results, and absentee ballot request logs. Local ballot measures and school district levies may also appear. Montana offers no-excuse absentee voting, meaning any registered voter can request an absentee ballot by submitting a written, signed request to the Sheridan County Clerk and Recorder (by mail, email, fax, or in person) no later than noon the day before the election. Absentee ballots can be returned by mail (must be postmarked by Election Day and received within two business days), delivered in person to the election office, or deposited in official ballot drop boxes if available. Military and overseas voters have additional options under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA).
Public Records Resources for Westby, Montana
Official government websites for Westby, Montana and the surrounding area. We prioritize official government sources (.gov, .us, or .mil) and supplement with verified municipal, county, or statewide portals (.org or .com) where the agency uses a non-government domain.
- Montana Birth and Death Vital RecordsRequest birth and death certificates from the MT Dept. of Public Health and Human Services.
- Montana Business & Corporation SearchFind active and inactive corporations by name from the Montana Secretary of State.
- Montana Death Row inmatesInformation from a non-profit resource about Montana death row inmates.
- Montana Federal CasesSearch the Montana Court system to find information and public records on federal case filings.
- Montana Property RecordsObtain property tax info by contacting the Montana Cadastral Mapping page.
- Montana Unclaimed PropertySearch property and claim status by name or business with National Assoc. of Unclaimed Property Administrators.
- Montana Archival CollectionsMontana historical records, manuscript collections and government records.
Nearby Cities in Sheridan County, Montana
Search public records in neighboring cities within the same county:
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register to vote in Westby, Montana?
To register to vote in Westby, Montana, residents can register online through the Montana Secretary of State's website, by mail, or in person at the Sheridan County elections office. Montana requires voters to be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old by Election Day, and residents of the state. The registration deadline is typically 30 days before an election. Voters can verify their registration status and find polling locations through the Montana Secretary of State's voter lookup tool. For local municipal elections in Westby, contact the Sheridan County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
How do I look up property records in Westby, Montana?
Property records for Westby, Montana are maintained by the Sheridan Montana Department of Revenue's Office and the Sheridan County Clerk and Recorder. The Assessor's Office is responsible for discovering, listing, and valuing all taxable property within Sheridan County, including parcels in Westby. Records available include property ownership, assessed values, legal descriptions, parcel maps, and tax history. The Sheridan County Clerk and Recorder maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements. Many Montana counties provide online property record searches through their county websites. The Sheridan County Treasurer handles property tax payments and tax sale information.
How do I get a birth or death certificate in Westby, Montana?
Birth, death, and marriage records for Westby, Montana residents are available through both county and state offices. The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Vital Records, located in Helena, maintains statewide vital records and can issue certified copies of birth and death certificates for events occurring anywhere in Montana. Orders can be placed online, by mail, or in person. Locally, the Sheridan County Clerk's office issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for Sheridan County. Birth and death certificates may also be available through local vital records offices. Requestors typically need to provide valid photo identification and proof of their relationship to the person named on the record. Processing times and fees vary by office and record type.