How to Vote in the Helena and East Helena 2021 General Elections

Posted on 10/26/21 by Jessica Ravitz

The cities of Helena and East Helena will have general elections on Nov. 2. Voters in Helena will elect a mayor, two city commissioners and neighborhood council representatives, while East Helena will elect a mayor and three city council members.

A man walks out of an absentee voting station after voting

  • Both elections will be conducted entirely by mail.
  • Ballots were mailed on Oct. 13 to all active registered voters who have addresses in the city limits of Helena or East Helena.
  • Completed ballots must be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 2.


How do I register to vote? And is there a deadline to register?

Check your registration status by visiting www.MyVoterPageMT.com.

Regular registration closed on Oct. 4.  If you were unable to submit your application by then, you can late register in person at the county elections office during regular business hours — 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday — until noon on Nov. 1, the day before Election Day. If you are not registered by noon on Nov. 1, you cannot vote in the election.

How do I get and return a ballot?

Every active registered voter should receive a ballot in the mail. If you don’t receive one or if you need it mailed to a different address, visit the Lewis and Clark County Elections Office or contact the office at 406-447-8339 or elections@lccountymt.gov.

If you’re an active military service member or living overseas, you can request an absentee ballot through the county elections office or the Federal Voting Assistance Program.

Ballots will be mailed to voters with a required return envelope addressed to the county elections office. If you misplace that envelope, contact the elections office at 406-447-8339 or visit the office at 316 N. Park Ave., Room 168, in downtown Helena to request a replacement envelope.

Ballots must be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 2. If you didn't mail your ballot by Oct. 26, the county recommends you drop it off in person at the county elections office.

On Election Day, ballots can be dropped off at the county elections office in downtown Helena or at East Helena City Hall, located at 306. E. Main St., East Helena. Both locations will be open for extended hours on Election Day from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

I know the election is conducted by mail, but can I vote in person?

As long as you’ve met the registration deadline, you can visit the county elections office to cast your ballot. Even if you don’t have the original ballot that was mailed to you, you can fill out a replacement ballot. The office will be open for extended hours, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., on Election Day.

Can I vote in person before Election Day?

Yes. Ballots were mailed out to voters on Oct. 13 and are due on Nov. 2. But if you need to vote earlier, you can visit the county elections office to fill out a paper ballot and vote during normal business hours, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Do I need ID to vote?

To register to vote, you must provide one of the following:

  • A Montana driver’s license or Montana state ID card number
  • The last four digits of your Social Security number
  • An original version, if in person, or a clear copy, if by mail, of the following:
  • A military ID card, a tribal photo ID card, a United States passport, or a Montana concealed carry permit

OR

  • A photo ID with your name and a current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, government check or other government document that includes your name and current address

When you vote, you must sign the affirmation on the return envelope. The signature will be compared to the signature on file with your voter registration application.


What races are on the ballot?

  • Helena
    • Mayor
    • Two city commissioners
    • Neighborhood council representatives
  • East Helena
    • Mayor
    • Three city council members

This guide, originally published on Sept. 1, was updated on Oct. 26 with more information about registration deadlines.


Also of interest

This story is provided by AARP Montana. Visit the AARP Montana page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.

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