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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Candidate Meet & Greet - Alani Bankhead
Meet & Greet with Alani Bankehad
Tuesday, October 13 at 4:00 in Belgrade.
Pop-Up Chili Potluck
Address provided when you RSVP through Alani’s website. Bring a dish to share.
MT House Debate
2026 Montana 1st Congressional District U.S. House Debate
ONLINE, Tuesday, October 12, 2026
Hosted by Montana Free Press
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.
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.
Senate Candidate Debate
Senate Candidate Debate
MT Broadcasters Association is hosting a candidate debate in Bozeman.
Field & Stream, 5 Baxter Lane, Bozeman
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.
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.
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
(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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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