2026 Election Calendar
Important Election Dates for Gallatin County Voters
Plus, opportunities to meet candidates and learn about ballot initiatives.
*Check back often, since we keep updating it with new educational opportunities as we become aware of them! If you know of an opportunity to meet a candidate or learn about an initiative that is not on the calendar, email us.
BOZEMAN IN-PERSON Registration & Ballot Services
AFTER regular voter registration closes at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, October 5, voters must register or update their registration IN PERSON.
If you are in Bozeman, go to the Gallatin County Election Department, 311 W. Main St., Room 210
October 6–30 between 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Monday, November 2: 8 a.m.–12 p.m.
Tuesday, November 3 (ELECTION DAY): 7 a.m.–8 p.m.
Questions? 406-582-3060 or gallatin.elections@gallatin.mt.gov
BIG SKY - Registration & Ballot Services
The Gallatin County Elections Department is visiting communities across the county.
BIG SKY – Elections staff will be in town to help with late registration, absentee ballot services, and any other questions you may have.
October 7&8 from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. (closed 1–2 p.m. for lunch )
BASE Community Center, 285 Simkins Dr.
Voter Information Pamphlet Arrives
Voter Information Pamphlet mailing deadline
County officials must mail Montana's official Voter Information Pamphlet by this date for statewide ballot issues. Watch your mailbox!
Bozeman Legislative Candidates Forum
Hear from the candidates running for SD 32, HD 63, HD 64.
Wednesday, October 7, 6:30-7:45 PM; open to the public - Bozeman Public Safety Center, 901 North Rouse Ave.
BIG SKY - Registration & Ballot Services
The Gallatin County Elections Department is visiting communities across the county.
BIG SKY – Elections staff will be in town to help with late registration, absentee ballot services, and any other questions you may have.
October 7&8 from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. (closed 1–2 p.m. for lunch )
BASE Community Center, 285 Simkins Dr.
(Re)Check your voter registration
Check your voter registration
Confirm your status, address, name, and absentee status through My Voter Page. Don't wait for October. Gallatin County specifically directs voters there for registration information, sample ballots, polling locations, ballot-drop locations, and ballot tracking.
Candidate Forum
Candidate Forum
HD 60: Alanah Grifith & Greg Leman
District 3 County Commission: Colter Metcalf & Ryan Finn (write-in candidate)
District 1 County Commission: Zack Brown & Daniel Hill
Gallatin County Attorney: Audrey Cromwell & Jordan P Salo
Thursday, October 08, 2026, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM at the Gallatin Gateway Community Center
Gallatin Gateway, 145 Mill St, Gallatin Gateway, MT 59730, USA
Ballot Initiatives FORUM
OLLI at MSU October Friday Forum: Montana’s 2026 Ballot Initiatives
The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Montana State University will host a Friday Forum on Oct. 9 on proposed initiatives that will appear on Montanans’ ballots this November.
This free, public event will be held online via Zoom from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m.
Absentee ballots mailed
Absentee ballots mailed
Gallatin County begins sending ballots to registered absentee voters. Start watching your mailbox and track your ballot through My Voter Page.
Senate Candidate Debate
Senate Candidate Debate
MT Broadcasters Association is hosting a candidate debate in Bozeman.
Field & Stream, 5 Baxter Lane, Bozeman
Belgrade Legislative Candidates Forum
Hear from the candidates running for Belgrade SD 34, HD 67, HD 68.
Monday, October 12, 6:30-7:45 PM; open to the public - Belgrade Community Library, 205 East Main Street, Belgrade.
THREE FORKS - Registration & Ballot Services
The Gallatin County Elections Department is visiting communities across the county.
THREE FORKS – Elections staff will be in town to help with late registration, absentee ballot services, and any other questions you may have.
October 13 & 14 from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. (closed 1–2 p.m. for lunch )
Community Library, 607 S. Main St.
THREE FORKS - Registration & Ballot Services
The Gallatin County Elections Department is visiting communities across the county.
THREE FORKS – Elections staff will be in town to help with late registration, absentee ballot services, and any other questions you may have.
October 13 & 14 from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. (closed 1–2 p.m. for lunch )
Community Library, 607 S. Main St.
MANHATTAN - Registration & Ballot Services
The Gallatin County Elections Department is visiting communities across the county.
MANHATTAN – Elections staff will be in town to help with late registration, absentee ballot services, and any other questions you may have.
October 15 & 16 from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. (closed 1–2 p.m. for lunch )
Town Hall, 207 S. 6th St.
Bozeman Legislative Candidates Forum
Hear from the candidates running for HD 60, HD 65, HD 66.
Thursday, October 15, 6:30-7:45PM; open to the public - Bozeman Public Safety Center, 901 North Rouse Ave.
Candidate Q&A - Garrett Grimm
Candidate Q&A with Garrett Grimm - write-in candidate for Gallatin County Sheriff
Tuesday, October 6, and Thursday, October 15, from 7:00-8:00 pm at the Gallatin Labor Temple (422 E. Mendenhall). Doors open at 6:45.
MANHATTAN - Registration & Ballot Services
The Gallatin County Elections Department is visiting communities across the county.
MANHATTAN – Elections staff will be in town to help with late registration, absentee ballot services, and any other questions you may have.
October 15 & 16 from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. (closed 1–2 p.m. for lunch )
Town Hall, 207 S. 6th St.
Absentee Voters: check your mail!
Absentee Voters: check your mail!
If you are voting by absentee ballot, it’s been 10 days since ballots went out. Make sure yours arrived, and if not, call the Gallatin County Elections Office! 406-582-3060
Voting Plan Deadline for Absentee Voters
Recommended Deadline for Absentee Voters to Complete Their Voting Plan!
Get your voting plan done! Need help? Check here.
BELGRADE - Registration & Ballot Services
The Gallatin County Elections Department is visiting communities across the county.
BELGRADE – Elections staff will be in town to help with late registration, absentee ballot services, and any other questions you may have.
October 19-21 from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. (closed 1–2 p.m. for lunch )
Library & Community Center, 205 E. Main St.
Belgrade CI-132 - the Nonpartisan Judges Forum
Hear about CI-132- the Nonpartisan Judges ballot initiative.
Monday, October 19, 6:30-7:45 PM; open to the public - Belgrade Community Library, 205 East Main Street, Belgrade.
BELGRADE - Registration & Ballot Services
The Gallatin County Elections Department is visiting communities across the county.
BELGRADE – Elections staff will be in town to help with late registration, absentee ballot services, and any other questions you may have.
October 19-21 from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. (closed 1–2 p.m. for lunch )
Library & Community Center, 205 E. Main St.
BELGRADE - Registration & Ballot Services
The Gallatin County Elections Department is visiting communities across the county.
BELGRADE – Elections staff will be in town to help with late registration, absentee ballot services, and any other questions you may have.
October 19-21 from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. (closed 1–2 p.m. for lunch )
Library & Community Center, 205 E. Main St.
Mail Ballots Safety Window Closing
Mail Ballots Safety Window Closing
Don’t stretch your luck. Get your ballot out a little early to ensure it arrives on time!
Final Voter Registration Check for Absentee Voting
Check your voter registration one last time!
Confirm your status, address, name, and absentee status through My Voter Page.
Deadline To Mail Ballots
Deadline To Mail Ballots
Montana currently advises voters returning ballots by mail to mail them at least one week before Election Day.
County Public Voting Test
County Public Voting Test
The county will conduct its public test of the voting systems in the Gallatin County Courthouse Community Room on the 3rd Floor.
Join us to see how voting works firsthand!
Voting Plan Deadline for In-Person Voters
Recommended Deadline for In-Person Voters to Complete Their Voting Plan!
Get your voting plan done! Need help? Check here.
BOZEMAN IN-PERSON Registration & Ballot Services
AFTER regular voter registration closes at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, October 5, voters must register or update their registration IN PERSON.
If you are in Bozeman, go to the Gallatin County Election Department, 311 W. Main St., Room 210
October 6–30 between 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Monday, November 2: 8 a.m.–12 p.m.
Tuesday, November 3 (ELECTION DAY): 7 a.m.–8 p.m.
Questions? 406-582-3060 or gallatin.elections@gallatin.mt.gov
Final Voter Registration Check for In-Person Voting
Check your voter registration one last time!
Confirm your status, address, name, and absentee status through My Voter Page.
BOZEMAN IN-PERSON Registration & Ballot Services
AFTER regular voter registration closes at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, October 5, voters must register or update their registration IN PERSON.
If you are in Bozeman, go to the Gallatin County Election Department, 311 W. Main St., Room 210
October 6–30 between 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Monday, November 2: 8 a.m.–12 p.m.
Tuesday, November 3 (ELECTION DAY): 7 a.m.–8 p.m.
Questions? 406-582-3060 or gallatin.elections@gallatin.mt.gov
Ballot/problem-resolution deadline
Ballot/problem-resolution deadline
Deadline for voters who cast provisional ballots to provide required proof in person.
Candidate Q&A - Garrett Grimm
Candidate Q&A with Garrett Grimm - write-in candidate for Gallatin County Sheriff
Tuesday, October 6, and Thursday, October 15, from 7:00-8:00 pm at the Gallatin Labor Temple (422 E. Mendenhall). Doors open at 6:45.
Candidate Meet & Greet - Seth Bodnar
MSU Meet-and-Greet Event with Senate Candidate Seth Bodnar.
In front of Montana Hall at 732 W Grant Street from 12:00-1:30
Late voter registration
Late voter registration
Missed regular registration? You can still register or update your registration, but you'll need to appear in person between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Gallatin County Courthouse
311 W. Main St. Room 210
Bozeman, MT 59715
406-582-3060
WEST YELLOWSTONE - Registration & Ballot Services
The Gallatin County Elections Department is visiting communities across the county.
Town of West Yellowstone – Elections staff will be in West Yellowstone on Monday and Tuesday to help with late registration, absentee ballot services, and any other questions you may have.
October 5 & 6 from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. (closed 1–2 p.m. for lunch )
West Yellowstone Town Hall, 440 West Yellowstone Ave.
Bozeman Legislative Candidates Forum
Hear from the candidates running for SD 31, HD 61, HD 62.
Monday, October 5, 6:30-7:45 PM; open to the public - Bozeman Public Safety Center, 901 North Rouse Ave.
Regular voter registration closes
Regular voter registration closes
Last day to register or update your registration through the regular registration process.
Gallatin County Courthouse
311 W. Main St. Room 210
Bozeman, MT 59715
406-582-3060
WEST YELLOWSTONE - Registration & Ballot Services
The Gallatin County Elections Department is visiting communities across the county.
Town of West Yellowstone – Elections staff will be in West Yellowstone on Monday and Tuesday to help with late registration, absentee ballot services, and any other questions you may have.
October 5 & 6 from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. (closed 1–2 p.m. for lunch )
West Yellowstone Town Hall, 440 West Yellowstone Ave.
MT Supreme Court Candidate Meet & Greet
Forward Montana is hosting the Montana Supreme Court Candidate Meet and Greet on October 2nd from 6:00-8:00 pm.
This evening is for the community to mingle and get to know the candidates in a small, intimate setting. There will be food and refreshments provided, and people will have a chance to ask candidates important questions.
Beall Park Recreation Center, 415 N Bozeman Ave, Bozeman, MT 59715
(Re)Check your voter registration
Check your voter registration
Confirm your status, address, name, and absentee status through My Voter Page. Don't wait for October. Gallatin County specifically directs voters there for registration information, sample ballots, polling locations, ballot-drop locations, and ballot tracking.
Have you made your Voting Plan?
Don’t wait! Make your Voting Plan early!
2026 isn’t like previous years. Make a voting plan to ensure your vote counts. Download the template here.
Bozeman Study Commission Ballot Forum
Hear what the City of Bozeman Study Commission put on the 2026 ballot.
Tuesday, September 29, 6:30-7:45 PM; open to the public - Bozeman Public Safety Center, 901 North Rouse Ave.
Candidate Meet & Greet - Seth Bodnar
Meet-and-Greet Event with Senate Candidate Seth Bodnar.
Hotel Baxter 105 W. Main Street
Doors open at 6pm
Mis- and Disinformation Training
Forward Montana’s Virtual Mis- and Disinformation Training Friday, September 25th from 5:30- 7:00 p.m.
Learn what disinformation is, how it impacts Montana's online spaces, and how to identify and measure disinformation. You’ll walk away with solid tactics to combat disinformation and knowing when/ how to push back on disinformation narratives we encounter in the wild and in interpersonal relationships.
(Re)Check your voter registration
Check your voter registration
Confirm your status, address, name, and absentee status through My Voter Page. Don't wait for October. Gallatin County specifically directs voters there for registration information, sample ballots, polling locations, ballot-drop locations, and ballot tracking.
Meet the Candidate - Alani Bankhead
Meet and learn more about Alani Bankhead. Come to Kenyon House at 612 West Main Street, near 7th Avenue, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 23rd, and get your questions answered!
I-194, The Montana Plan Roundtable
These gatherings are open to everyone: voters, small business owners, veterans, families, and anyone interested in understanding I-194, The Montana Plan.
Montana Supreme Court and Gallatin County Attorney Candidate Forum
This free event is on Wednesday, Sept. 23, at MSU Gaines Hall from 6:30-9:00 p.m. Come learn more about the candidates, their positions, philosophies, and views on the issues shaping our state, our courts, and our community!
At Gains Hall, MSU Campus.
Meet candidate Garrett Grimm
Pizza and Politics chat with Garrett Grimm, write-in candidate for Gallatin County Sheriff at Ponderosa Room, Townplace Suites Bozeman West, 2679 Honor Lane, Bozeman.
Statewide Voter Protection Briefing
Montana Voter Protection Community Briefing will take place this upcoming Tuesday, September 22, at 5:30 pm on Zoom.
GOTV Party
Forward Montana’s Get Out The Vote Postcard Party is Tuesday, September 22nd from 5- 8 p.m. at the Bozeman Office!
Hang out, enjoy light snacks, connect with the community, and help spread the word about voting in the upcoming general election! They’ll provide everything you’ll need to write postcards to your fellow Bozeman voters!
States Rights Informational Townhall
Join Sen. Cora Neumann, Sen. Chris Pope, Sen. Pat Flowers, Rep. Peter Strand, and other local leaders for a States' Rights Informational Town Hall. Bring your questions about the roles and powers of local and state leaders when it comes to our elections, ICE activity and border control, the Constitution, and our people.
Have you made your Voting Plan?
Don’t wait! Make your Voting Plan early!
2026 isn’t like previous years. Make a voting plan to ensure your vote counts. Download the template here.
Candidate Walk & Talk - Garrett Grimm
Walk & Talk with Garrett Grimm, write-in candidate for Gallatin County Sheriff, Cherry River Fishing Access, Frontage Road in Bozeman.
(Re)Check your voter registration
Check your voter registration
Confirm your status, address, name, and absentee status through My Voter Page. Don't wait for October. Gallatin County specifically directs voters there for registration information, sample ballots, polling locations, ballot-drop locations, and ballot tracking.
2026 Montana Stream Access Rally
Opportunity to Meet Candidates!
2026 Montana Stream Access Rally - Emerson Lawn
Along with a great lineup of speakers, they are inviting candidates for statewide office, as well as all Montana House and Senate candidates from Park, Madison, and Gallatin counties, to join us at the event. This is a nonpartisan event where all Montana river lovers and advocates are welcome!
Odyssey to Election Day
Educational Opportunity - Meet candidates!
Gallatin County Democrats are hosting this Odyssey to Election Day event.
Have you made your Voting Plan?
Don’t wait! Make your Voting Plan early!
2026 isn’t like previous years. Make a voting plan to ensure your vote counts. Download the template here.
Candidate Meet & Greet - Garrett Grimm
Meet & Greet with Garrett Grimm, write-in candidate for Gallatin County Sheriff, at Beall Park, 415 N Black Ave., Bozeman.
Candidate Meet & Learn at Labor Temple
Monday, September 14, from 5:30-7:00 pm at the Gallatin Labor Temple for the next Gallatin-Park Central Labor Council meeting.
Montana AFL-CIO-endorsed state legislators and candidates will be present.
This meeting is open to all who care about growing worker power, and pizza and drinks will be provided!
We will be joined by many state legislators, including: Rep. Scott Rosenzweig (candidate for SD 29), Kathleen Williams (candidate for SD 31), Rep. Becky Edwards (candidate for HD 57), Rep. Jamie Isaly (HD 58), Rep. Katie Fire Thunder (HD 59), Rep. Alanah Griffith (HD 60), Rep. Josh Seckinger (HD 62), Rep. Peter Strand (HD 63), Rep. Brian Close (HD 65), and Rep. Eric Matthews (HD 66)
Can’t make it in person? You can tune in remotely: meet.google.com/tmm-emgg-cih
Public Meeting: Gallatin County Elections Work Session
Attend the County’s Public Elections Meeting
The county regularly has meetings that the public can attend. Gallatin County Elections Department has an elections work session scheduled for Monday, September 14, from 9:00-10:00.
Join in person at the Community Room at 311 West Main St, Bozeman, MT 59715, or register to join via Zoom to learn more about their election preparations.