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Montana Election Observation Initiative Affirms State's Commitment to Accessible Vote-by-Mail Options
HELENA, Mont. – In the midst of renewed discussions regarding potential restrictions on mail-in voting, the Montana Election Observation Initiative (MTEOI) today reaffirmed Montana's long-standing tradition of providing secure, accessible absentee voting options to all registered voters.
"Montana has a proud legacy of election integrity and voter accessibility that spans over a century," said Daniel Bruce, President of MTEOI’s Board of Directors. "Our state's approach to absentee voting reflects Montana values: trust in our citizens, respect for individual circumstances, and commitment to ensuring every eligible voter can participate in our democracy."
Montana's Mail Voting Heritage
Montana law currently allows any registered voter to vote by absentee ballot, with absentee ballots for federal and state elections mailed to eligible voters 25 days before election day. Since 1999, Montanans have been able to vote absentee without listing a reason, allowing voters the opportunity to take their time to mark their ballot. Absentee voting ensures that work obligations and life circumstances don't prevent Montanans from exercising their fundamental right to vote.
“This system has served Montana voters well across vast geographical distances, harsh weather conditions, and diverse work schedules that characterize life in Big Sky Country,” noted Geraldine Custer, a member of MTEOI’s Board of Directors.
Mail voting also reflects common-sense efficiency. In 2024, 72 percent of Montanans voted by mail, reducing lines at polling places, saving taxpayer money, and allowing election officials to process ballots in an orderly, timely way. Last year, trained MTEOI observers monitored the electoral process in counties representing 75 percent of voters. MTEOI’s final report concluded that “Montana’s 2024 elections were secure, transparent, and well-managed, reflecting the state’s strong civic participation and commitment to democratic integrity.”
Proven Security and Integrity
Montana's absentee voting system incorporates multiple security measures:
· Signature verification: State law requires signatures to be included and verified on all ballot envelopes
· Chain of custody protocols: Strict handling requirements from the time a voter applies for an absentee ballot to the time that ballot is counted
· Transparent oversight: Partisan and nonpartisan election observers are able to monitor all stages of the process
· Audit capabilities: Paper ballots provide verifiable records for post-election audits
"Montana's election administrators, working under bipartisan oversight, have consistently demonstrated their commitment to election security and integrity," noted Casey Hayes, a member of MTEOI’s Board of Directors. “These safeguards ensure one person, one vote — no exceptions.”
Moving Forward
"MTEOI remains committed to supporting transparent, secure, and accessible elections in Montana," said Jeff Mangan, a member of MTEOI Board of Directors. "We will continue monitoring election processes, highlighting best practices, and ensuring that all eligible Montanans can exercise their right to vote."
As Montana communities prepare for upcoming municipal elections, which along with school elections are conducted fully by mail, MTEOI encourages all eligible voters to participate in the democratic process. Local elections often have the most direct impact on daily life.
Montanans interested in supporting election transparency can volunteer with MTEOI to observe elections this fall—visit www.mteoi.org to learn more about observer training opportunities.
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