The Montana Republican Party will place trained poll watchers at election sites across the state during the Nov. 3 general election. The watchers will observe procedures at polling locations, ballot drop boxes and ballot-counting operations, then report concerns or irregularities to the party’s legal team.
Election observation rules
Montana law allows political party members to observe the election process at locations where ballots are deposited, provided they do not interfere. Poll watchers must complete a form, take an oath and wear identification badges.
Flathead County Elections Administrator Paula Buff said poll watching is a routine part of elections. The Montana Election Observation Initiative and the state Republican Party contacted Buff about their plans.
The Flathead Democratic Central Committee did not ask members to serve as poll watchers. Members of the committee, including Chair Ron Gerson, instead signed up as election judges.
Campaigning restrictions
Electioneering is prohibited within 100 feet of ballot drop boxes, polling-place entrances and exits, and the Flathead County Elections Department at 290 B N. Main St. in Kalispell.
Materials bearing the “Make America Great Again” logo or featuring Donald Trump are allowed because Trump is not on the ballot. Materials saying “Vote Democrat” or “Vote Republican” are also permitted if they do not identify a current candidate or ballot initiative.
Petition gatherers may operate if they do not obstruct traffic or harass voters or election workers.
Voting and ballot drop-off information
Flathead County voters can use the county Elections Department’s “Voter Portal” to locate their assigned precincts. The county has 11 polling locations with assigned voter precincts.
Late registration closes at noon Monday and resumes Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. New voters must register in person at the Elections Department and provide a valid driver’s license, passport or state photo identification. Voters without a valid Montana driver’s license or state ID must provide documents proving residency. Changes to existing registration accounts must also be completed in person.
Absentee ballots can no longer be returned by mail. Voters may place them in designated ballot boxes from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday and from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday. An additional drive-thru drop box will open Tuesday at the Flathead County Fairgrounds in Kalispell.
On Election Day, absentee ballots may be delivered to any polling location. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., and voters who are in line by 8 p.m. may cast a ballot.
Unofficial results will be posted by the Montana Secretary of State and by the Flathead County Elections Department after the final ballot is cast. Questions may be directed to Hannah Shields at 406-758-4439.