▼

Animal Services

Show All Answers

1. How can I contact Animal Control?

Call 406-497-6527, or, for extreme animal-related emergencies, dial 911. Animal Control Officers work regular shifts Monday - Saturday. Officers can only respond after hours to high-priority emergencies, including: a person or animal in immediate danger, bite cases, injured animals that are still alive, or an animal on a highway causing a traffic problem.

2. How can I contact the Chelsea Bailey Animal Shelter?

Email bsbanimalshelter@bsb.mt.gov or call 406-497-6528. The shelter is open Tuesday - Saturday,
1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

3. Are animals allowed in public buildings?

No, per Butte-Silver Bow Municipal Code, animals (with the exception of service animals) should not be brought to the Courthouse or other public buildings. Refer to the link below for the relevant Municipal Code. Municipal Code: Animals on public property

▼

Archives

Show All Answers

1. What is the Butte Public Archives?

The Butte-Silver Bow Public Archives was established in 1981 by ordinance to maintain the non-current records of the city-county of Butte-Silver Bow. Given the significant industrial, political, and social history of Butte in the American West, the government records and archival holdings are in great demand by scholars, authors, and genealogists.

2. What services are offered at the Archives?

The Archives provides a variety of services for researchers. Whether you are researching your family genealogy, writing a thesis, or looking for material for a book or film, the Archives can assist you. Contact the Archives for details.

3. Do I need to make an appointment to visit the Archives?

No. The Archives are open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and you can visit at any time.

4. Can I make copies or take photographs at the Archives?

Yes! Many of the documents are quite fragile, so we are happy that new technology makes it possible to scan or photograph large or delicate documents. The Archives has hand scanners or you can use your own camera.

5. Are facilities at the Archives available for public use?

Yes! The Archives has two meeting spaces available for rent. The spacious auditorium can comfortably fit 40 people classroom style with tables and chairs and approximately 75 people audience style with chairs. It is available for use during business hours as well as in the evening and on weekends. The auditorium can accommodate presentations with a ceiling mounted, computer operated projector and screen. WiFi accessibility, a conference phone, and built-in sound system add to its functionality. The auditorium provides a view of the rooftops of historic buildings in Uptown Butte and the mountains to the south. The auditorium has been used for a variety of events such as meetings, training sessions, wedding showers, graduation parties, book signings, and exhibit openings.

A smaller conference room for up to 10 people is available for use during the Archives regular business hours. Please contact bsbarchives@bsb.mt.gov or (406) 782-3280 for fees and availability.

6. What is special about the Archives building?

The Archives is housed in a fire hall constructed in 1900 that is on the National Register of Historic Places. In 2007, the Butte-Silver Bow Public Archives, the Board of Directors, the Friends of the Archives, and the staff successfully presented a 7.5 million dollar bond issue to the public asking to construct an archival vault and rehabilitate the historic firehouse. The voters of Butte-Silver Bow voted overwhelmingly (75 to 25%) to fund the project. Completed on June 4, 2010, the Butte-Silver Bow Public Archives research facility and state-of-the-art archival vault opened to the public on September 1, 2010. As someone said recently, the Archives “has to be one of Butte’s best public investments.” On the exterior, the architects ensured that the façade reflects the age of the original structure, and six quotations were chosen by the public to be etched in the granite on the outside of the building. The quotations epitomize the admiration people have for our community’s history and its people.

▼

BSB FAQs

Show All Answers

1. What is the phone number for the Courthouse?

The phone number for general information is 406-497-6200. In July 1999, we installed a new PBX which allows the public to call directly to an office. Please check the local phone books for department phone numbers or go to our Contacts page to find a phone number for a specific department.

2. Where can I get a bus schedule?

The bus schedules are available from any bus driver, the Water Utility Division at 124 W. Granite, or from the Public Library. There are seven routes for the Butte Transit System. For more information you can call 406-497-6522 (recorded message of the schedules) or 406-497-6515. The Bus Depot (for out-of-town service, Greyhound Bus Lines) is located just north of The Civic Center on Harrison Avenue, Butte, Montana. Telephone: 406-723-3287.

3. Where can I get a burning permit?

Burning permits are available at the Butte-Silver Bow Treasure' office, 155 W. Granite Street, Room 206 or online at the County
Burn Permit and Notification Service website

4. Where do I register to vote?

You may register to vote, obtain an absentee ballot, or change your voting precinct at the Clerk and Recorder's Office located at 155 West Granite, Room 208. Visit our voting information page for more information.

5. Where may I obtain a birth or death certificate?

Birth or Death Certificates are available from the Clerk and Recorder's Office at the Butte-Silver Bow Courthouse, 155 West Granite, Butte, Montana, Room 201. Certified copies of Birth Certificates are $5.00; Death Certificates are $15.00 for the first copy and $6.00 for each additional copy. Request forms are available on the Clerk and Recorder's webpage, see link. Birth and Death Certificate Informartion

6. How can I obtain garbage service?

The number to call to request garbage service is 406-723-3728.

7. Where can I get a license?

To obtain a business, liquor, or motor vehicle (including boats, trailers, and 4-wheelers), contact the Treasurer's Office located in the Courthouse, 155 West Granite, Butte, Montana, Room 206. To see a list of license costs check our License Fees page. If you have questions on any of the above, call 406-497-6300. Marriage licenses are available from the Clerk of the Court, also located in the Courthouse, Room 301. To obtain a driver license, go to the Highway Patrol Office, located at 3615 Wynne Avenue or call 406-533-6630.

8. Where is the Welfare Department (Social Services)?

The Welfare Department and other social services are located at 700 Casey, Butte, Montana, or you may contact them at 406-496-4975.

9. What is the elevation at the Courthouse?

The elevation at the Courthouse is 5,755 feet or 1.09 miles high.

10. How do I contact Animal Control?

Questions or problems with animal control can be directed to our Animal Services Department, 699 Centennial Avenue. The phone number for Animal Services is 406-782-8450. The number for Animal Control is 406-782-4467.

▼

Clerk and Recorder

Show All Answers

1. How can I order birth records online?

Visit the State website at the link below.

Order Birth Records Online

▼

Community Development

Show All Answers

1. When will the current URA expire?

The district will expire on June 30, 2014.

2. What is the TIFID?

The TIFID also known as Montana Connections Business Development Park is located west of Butte in Silver Bow County. Please click the link below for additional details. Montana Connections Business Development Park

▼

Council of Commissioners

Show All Answers

1. When and where does the Council of Commissioners meet?

On Wednesday nights four times per month. Meetings start at 7:30 p.m. in Council Chambers on the 3rd floor of the Butte-Silver Bow Courthouse, 155 W Granite St.

Occasionally, special sessions of Council are held on other days, typically in the evenings, though such special sessions are very infrequent. Public notice regarding any special session of Council goes out to local media and is posted to the Butte-Silver Bow website at least three days (and usually 1-2 weeks) in advance.

2. Where can I find Council voting records?

All voting records for the Council of Commissioners are recorded in meeting minutes. Minutes are available on the website under the Agenda Center.

Alternatively, you can contact a Commissioner directly to ask about past votes or other Council issues.

3. How can I find my Commissioner or my precinct?

You can determine what precinct your are in or which Commissioner represents your precinct by using the Butte-Silver Bow Urban Voter Precinct map  and the Butte-Silver Bow County (Non-Butte) Voter Precinct map  You can also look up your address in the Address Ranges for Voting Precincts and Commissioner Districts as of June 11, 2021. To use the chart, simply find your street and address range in the chart - streets are listed in alphabetical order. Alternatively, you can use the online Contact Form and Butte-Silver Bow staff will reply by email with information about your precinct and Commissioner - be sure to list your address of residence on the form.

4. How do I know what is on the Council agenda?

First, you can access the weekly agenda each Monday afternoon on the Butte-Silver Bow website - click here to go directly to the Agenda Center. The agendas are listed by date, and you can also review past agendas back to 2012 and the official minutes of Council meetings. Agendas prior to 2012 are available upon request - just use the Contact Form available on this website.

Second, you can obtain a copy of an agenda from the Council secretary. The office of the secretary is on the 2nd floor of the Butte courthouse, just inside the Clerk and Recorder's Office, 155 W Granite St. Agendas can also be requested at the check-in table in Council Chambers on the 3rd floor of the courthouse immediately before or after Council meetings.

Finally, The Montana Standard and Butte Weekly often have articles covering agenda items.

5. How do I get an item on the agenda?

First, you can write a brief letter with your concern, request, or problem. Submit the letter to the Council secretary and she will place the communication on the agenda for the next regularly scheduled meeting. The office of the secretary is on the 2nd floor of the Butte courthouse, just inside the Clerk and Recorder's Office, 155 W Granite St, or email tracyw@bsb.mt.gov.

The deadline is 2:00 p.m. on Friday preceding the next regular meeting.

Second, you can contact your Commissioner and ask that they submit the issue on your behalf. In some cases, they may still ask that you put the issue in writing or they may be able to help you resolve the issue without going through the formal process.

6. What happens to a communication once it is placed on the agenda?

There are many different things that can occur with an agenda item. Some items are simple and only need an approval or denial by Council. That can be done at the regular meeting or it can be referred to the Committee of the Whole the following week if further time is needed to review or ask questions.

Many communications are referred to a Council committee where they are more thoroughly reviewed and a possible public hearing may be scheduled to get more public input.

Other communications are referred to a Butte-Silver Bow Department for review and a formal recommendation back to Council.

Finally, some communications are referred to the Butte-Silver Bow County Attorney for a legal opinion before any action is taken.

In all cases, action on communications can vary from taking place immediately on emergency situations to taking weeks to months when major ordinances are being changed.

7. What is the difference between a Regular Meeting and a Committee of the Whole Meeting?

The Regular Meetings take place on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month and they normally deal with new agenda items. The meeting is chaired by the Chief Executive and attended by all Commissioners, the Council Secretary, Country Attorney, and a staff person from the Clerk and Recorder’s Office.

The Committee of the Whole meetings are held on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month and usually address communications from the Regular Meeting that need further research, review, discussion or debate. This meeting is also chaired by the Chair of the Council and some communications may sit in the Committee of the Whole for extended periods of time until final action is taken.

8. What are Council Committees?

The Council has committees that review issues in more detail. Each committee consists of six Commissioners. The main committees are:

1. Finance & Budget—meets at 7:00 p.m. on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday and 6:00 p.m. on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month.

2. Public Works—meets at 6:30 p.m. on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month.

3. Judiciary—meets at 7:00 p.m. on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month.

4. Personnel—meets as needed to address personnel issues.

Committees typically meeting the Council Chambers on the 3rd floor of the Butte courthouse, 155 W Granite St.

9. Can the public speak at a council meeting?

Yes! There is time at the beginning of each meeting for the public to comment on items on the agenda and time at the end of the meeting to comment on matters not on the agenda.

Also, the public can speak on issues if an individual Commissioner calls on a person during the meeting.

▼

Extension Office

Show All Answers

1. Where do I learn more about the Master Gardener program in my area?

For further information regarding the Montana Master Gardener program in your county or city contact your local MSU county Extension or Reservation office.

2. What should I do with an unidentified insect or weed?

Submitting Insects and plants to Schutter Diagnostic Laboratory is fun and easy!
Bring in your specimens to the MSU Extension Office at 305 W Mercury St. Suite 303 OR
Send specimens to:
Schutter Diagnostic Lab
Montana State University
119 Plant BioScience Bldg
P.O. Box 173150
Bozeman, MT 59717-3150

Information to include with sample:

You may wish to print out an Insect Identification Form to include with your sample.
Describe damage of concern. If the insect is not included in the sample (damage sample only) describe the insect if possible (shape, body length, coloring, behavior).
Include the following collection data:
Collection date.
Collection location (e.g., Helena MT). Or, give nearest town and distance / direction from it (for example, 7 mi. SW of Helena MT).
Collector’s name (not county agent etc.).
Host identification (for example, green ash). If the host is not a plant, describe environment of collection site (for example, kitchen windowsill, basement, bag of rice).

Packaging of sample:

Collect several insect specimens if possible. Place specimens in sturdy clear containers with tight fitting lids that are strong enough to survive mail or courier services. Hard-bodied specimens can be sent either alive or in containers of rubbing alcohol. Aphids, mites, spiders, small flies and larvae need to be sent in rubbing alcohol. Caterpillars should be flash boiled before placing in rubbing alcohol. Turf insects can be sent alive in soil/root samples mailed in crush-proof box.

3. When is it Safe to put out tender plants for the season?

Find Frost Free Data Here by County!
http://www.mtmastergardener.org/climate_data.html#Silver Bow

4. Where do I find more information about The Private Applicator Program?

http://www.pesticides.montana.edu/

▼

Government Buildings

Show All Answers

1. When will the Courthouse dome be restored?

Mominee Studios completed specifications for the dome, and Bovard Studio Inc was selected to restore the courthouse dome starting in August 2014.

2. How long will the courthouse dome restoration take to complete?

The restoration work, which started in August 2014, is expected to take five to six months.

▼

Metro

Show All Answers

1. When do I need a stormwater permit?

If you are working on a new construction project, please call to begin applying for a permit.

▼

Planning - Floodplains

Show All Answers

1. What is a floodplain?

The following terms are used to describe the 100-year floodplain.

(1) “Floodplain” means the areas subject to FEMA regulations, generally adjoining a stream or river that would be covered by floodwater of a base flood except for sheetflood areas that receive less than one foot of water per occurrence. The floodplain consists of a floodway and floodway fringe.
(2) “Floodway” means the channel of a stream or river and the adjacent overbank areas that must be reserved in order to discharge a base flood without cumulatively increasing the water surface elevation more than one-half foot.
(3) “Floodway fringe” means that portion of the floodplain outside the limits of the floodway.

The 100-year floodplain designation does not mean that a certain property will be flooded once every 100-hundred years. The 100-year floodplain designation actually means there is a one (1%) percent chance per year that a property will be flooded. In addition, a 100-year flood could take place more than once during a 100-year time frame or in consecutive years.

2. What are official floodplain maps called?

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) floodplain maps are known as Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs). Butte-Silver Bow has forty seven (47) FIRMs, including FIRMs for the Big Hole River. As each FIRM covers a large geographical area one FIRM may include the floodplain boundaries for more than one stream or river.

3. What is the purpose of floodplain mapping?

FIRMs show a visual depiction of those areas of B-SB that FEMA has determined to be at risk for what is commonly referred to as a 100-year flood. Those areas of the community that have been determined to be at risk of a 100-year flood are depicted on the floodplain maps as Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs). The recently adopted FIRMs now visually depict the SFHA boundaries digitized over aerial photographs of B-SB.

4. How are floodplains mapped?

Local governments that participate in the National Flood Insurance Program are issued FIRMs developed in cooperation with FEMA. In most instances, the floodplain profiles for individual streams or rivers are developed utilizing hydrologic and hydraulic studies and on-the-ground surveys. These three tools help determine the boundaries of the floodway and floodway fringe.

However, there may be floodplain profiles for other streams on a FIRM that were not developed utilizing hydrologic and hydraulic studies and on-the-ground surveys. As such, these floodplain profiles are not as accurate as floodplain profiles developed utilizing hydrologic and hydraulic studies and on-the-ground surveys. There are several streams in the Butte-Silver Bow jurisdictional area where the floodplain profiles were developed without FEMA utilizing these three tools.

5. How are floodplains (SFHA) illustrated on FIRMS?

The SFHA of each stream or river is visually depicted on a FIRM within two blue lines. There are three (3) categories of floodplain designation which may be included on each FIRM. Those three categories are:

Zone AE – This SFHA zone includes a visual portrayal of the floodway boundaries and the floodway fringe boundaries. Zone AE also includes the Base Flood Elevation (BFE) for different reaches of the stream or river. The locations of the BFE are illustrated with a wavy black line that runs perpendicular to the stream channel. The BFE is also shown near the wavy line. Zone AE boundaries were developed utilizing the three tools described above and are therefore the most accurate boundaries. In some cases, the floodway is the same width of the floodway fringe.

Zone A – The visual portrayal of Zone A boundaries does not include the boundary of a floodway as the floodway boundaries have not been determined within the visually depicted floodplain. In addition, the BFEs for the stream have not been calculated. As such, SFHA boundaries that are visually illustrated as Zone A are not as accurate as the Zone AE boundaries.

Zone AH – Zone AH is not regulated by B-SB as these areas are only susceptible to sheet flooding of less than one foot in depth.

6. How much of Butte-Silver Bow is regulated by FIRMS?

FIRMs have been issued for the entire jurisdictional area of the City and County of Butte-Silver Bow, other than the Town of Walkerville. Consequently, FEMA has issued FIRMs for the Big Hole River and all of the perennial streams, such as, Silver Bow Creek, Blacktail Creek, Basin Creek, Grove Gulch Creek, Little Basin Creek, Columbia Gulch and Brown’s Gulch. In addition, several intermittent streams that flow off of the East Ridge are also mapped.

7. Did the recently adopted FIRMs change the SHFA boundaries if the 1980s FIRMs?

In a majority of cases, the recently adopted FIRMs did not alter SFHA boundaries for individual streams within Butte-Silver Bow. As such, if a new FIRM shows a property or structure within the SFHA it is very likely that the property or structure was in the SFHA on the FIRM developed in the 1980’s.

However, the SFHA boundaries on the new FIRMs were digitized by FEMA and then layered over aerial photographs of Butte-Silver Bow. As a result, it is much easier to establish whether a property or building is located within, or in close to proximity, to the SFHA. The adoption of the new FIRMs has resulted mortgage companies reevaluating the floodplain status of many properties within Butte-Silver Bow.

However, the Sand Creek floodplain, which runs south to north just to the west of Harrison Avenue, was significantly reduced north of Four Mile Road. A new flood study was undertaken at that time which incorporated the impact of the Sand Creek diversion that routes a significant portion of the Sand Creek stream flow through Bert Mooney Airport property. The adoption of a new SFHA for the diversion channel significantly reduced the amount of flood waters that would flow north of Four Mile Road. Consequently, the Sand Creek SFHA boundaries were significantly reduced on the new floodplain maps north of Four Mile Road.

New FIRMs were adopted for those portions of the Big Hole River adjacent to Butte-Silver Bow that were not previously regulated by FEMA approved floodplain maps. Prior to the adoption of the new FIRMs the only reach of the Big Hole River with FIRMs was from Melrose to just west of Divide. The adoption of the new FIRM’s in 2012 includes the entire stretch of the Big Hole River flowing adjacent to Butte-Silver Bow.
The visually depicted SFHA boundaries within the town of Melrose were greatly reduced with the adoption of the new FIRMs.

8. Where can I review a paper copy of a FIRM?

The official repository for paper copies of FIRMs is the Butte-Silver Bow Planning Department office. However, FIRMs for Butte-Silver Bow can also be viewed at the FEMA website, specifically the Map Service Center webpage.

The FIRMs viewed at the FEMA website are PDFs, so you can zoom in on a particular area of the map.

9. How are floodplains regulated in Butte-Silver Bow?

Floodplains in Butte-Silver Bow (B-SB) are regulated by Title 18, Floodplain Ordinance, of the B-SB Municipal Code. Title 18 was updated in January of 2012 when new and/or updated floodplain maps were adopted by the Butte-Silver Bow Council of Commissioners. (link to Title 18 of the Municipal Code.) Official floodplain maps for B-SB are issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

The most recent FIRMs for Butte-Silver Bow were adopted in January of 2012 and replace the FIRMs issued in the 1980s.

10. What kind of development is permitted in with the SHFA?

Development is permitted within certain zones of the FIRM maps provided that a Floodplain Permit has been issued for the development.

Zone AE - Floodway

The Butte-Silver Bow Floodplain Ordinance does not permit the construction of new residential, commercial or industrial buildings within a depicted floodway. Alterations to buildings within the floodway that are valued at more than 50% of the buildings value are also not permitted.

Zone AE- Floodway Fringe

The floodway fringe does allow the construction of new residential, commercial and industrial buildings and alterations to the buildings. However, new construction is required to meet the following regulations:

Residential – the top of the lowest living floor must be elevated a minimum of two (2’) feet above the BFE for that particular location of a mapped stream or river. The residence can be elevated utilizing infill (soil pad), piers or stem walls. The soil infill (pad) must extend outward for a minimum of fifteen feet in every direction from the foundation of the residence. The fill soil must meet floodplain standards regarding soil materials and be compacted to floodplain regulations.

To ensure that the top of the lowest floor is elevated a minimum of two feet above the BFE a Floodplain Development Permit Application must be submitted to the Butte-Silver Bow Planning Department for review and approval prior to any construction taking place. It is important to know, an approved residence located on fill within the floodway fringe is still considered within the 100-year floodplain and therefore may be result in the landowner having to purchase flood insurance.

Zone A

Zone A also permits the construction of new residential, commercial and industrial buildings. However, since BFEs have not been determined by FEMA an engineering firm must be utilized to determine the BFE for the location. The residence must be constructed a minimum of two feet above the determined BFE. A Floodplain Development Permit is also required for new construction within this zone.

11. How do I apply for a floodplain development permit?

A copy of a Floodplain Development Permit Application can be downloaded and printed using the link below, or from the State of Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) Floodplain Management website.

Floodplain Development Permit Applications must be submitted to the Butte-Silver Bow Planning Department. There is a $35.00 application fee. For more information, the Planning Department phone number is 406-497-6250.

▼

Voting & Elections

Show All Answers

1. What are the dates of the federal primary and general elections?

A federal primary election is held every even-numbered year on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in June. A federal general election is held every even-numbered year on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November.

2. What are the dates of municipal primary and general elections?

A municipal primary election, if necessary, is held every odd-numbered year on the first Tuesday after the second Monday in September. A municipal general election is held every odd-numbered year on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November.

3. What are the deadlines for the close of regular registration for the federal primary and general elections?

Regular registration closes 30 days before an election. Late registration begins the next day, and ends at noon the day before election day.  For example, if election day is Tuesday, late registration closes at noon on Monday (the day before).   Late registration can only be done at the county election administrator’s office or the location designated by the election administrator.

4. Do I have to vote in a primary election in order to vote in the general election?

No.

5. Where can I find information about school elections?

Visit the Montana Office of Public Instruction website.

6. How can I find my Commissioner or my precinct?

You can determine what precinct your are in or which Commissioner represents your precinct using either the he Butte-Silver Bow Urban Voter Precinct map and the Butte-Silver Bow County (Non-Butte) Voter Precinct map You can also look up your address in the Address Ranges for Voting Precincts and Commissioner Districts as of March 10, 2017 chart. To use the chart, simply find your street and address range in the chart - streets are listed in alphabetical order. Alternatively, you can use the online Contact Form and Butte-Silver Bow staff will reply by email with information about your precinct and Commissioner - be sure to list your address of residence on the form.

7. What ID do I have to show when I vote at the polls?

When voting at the polls, an ID showing the elector's name such as a MT driver's license or MT  state ID card, military ID or tribal photo identification card; or a photo ID AND a current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, voter registration confirmation, government check or other government document showing the elector’s current name.  This law was changed by the 2021 legislature to help assure election integrity.

8. What if I forget my ID when I vote at the polls?

You may submit a provisional ballot. Your provisional ballot will be counted if you provide one of the items on the list (question 7 above) to the county election office by 5:00 p.m. the day after the election, or mail it to the county election office postmarked by the day after the election.

9. How do I register, update my registration, find out if my registration is still on file, or find out the location of my polling place?

For information about registering to vote, visit http://www.sos.mt.gov/Elections/Vote. You may also contact your county election administrator to register or update your registration or visit My Voter Page to find out if you are registered to vote, where you are registered to vote, the location and directions to your polling place, the status of your absentee ballot, and to view a sample ballot.

10. What is late registration and what are the dates that it opens and closes?

Late registration is an option for people who miss the regular registration deadline. It is available starting the day after the close of regular registration, up until noon the day BEFORE election day, and must be done at the county election office (or at the location designated by the election administrator), not at a polling place. Late registration is closed from noon to 5 p.m. on the day before the election. Although you can drop off a registration card during this time, you will not receive your ballot unless you return to the election office on Election Day. If you wish to avoid the possibility of long lines, register by the close of regular registration or as soon as possible after the start of the late registration period.

11. Does Montana have “early voting”? Does Montana have in-person absentee voting before election day? When does it start?

Montana does not have true early voting, but does have in-person absentee voting that allows electors, as soon as absentee ballots are available, to receive, mark and submit an absentee ballot in person at the election office or by mail to the election office. However, ballots are not counted until election day. Early-in person absentee voting does not require a reason and starts as soon as ballots are available – by not later than 30 days before an election.

12. Who can vote absentee in Montana?

Since October 1,1999, any registered voter who wishes to vote absentee in Montana may do so, without having to specify a reason.

13. How do I request an absentee ballot?

Complete an absentee application from the Secretary of State website, fill it out, and drop it off at the county election office or fax or mail the form to your county election office.

14. When are the first and last days to request an absentee ballot?

There is no earliest day to apply for an absentee ballot. The last day to send in or drop off a request is noon on the day before an election.

15. What if I become ill and will not make it to the polls on election day?

If you request an absentee ballot because of a sudden illness or health emergency occurring between 5 p.m. of the Friday preceding the election and noon on election day, you may ask your county election administrator to have a special absentee election board bring an absentee ballot to you.

16. Are there voting systems in Montana that are equipped for people with disabilities?

Yes. Montana's statewide elections have various options for voters with disabilities or voters who need special assistance. These options can be found on the Montana Secretary of State's Voters with Disabilities information webpage.

17. What agency should I contact if I have campaign questions and/or campaign finance questions? Where do I file my campaign reporting forms?

For campaign and campaign finance questions, as well as questions about campaign reporting forms, please contact the Commissioner of Political Practices at (406) 444-2942 or cppcompliance@mt.gov. The Federal Election Commission, http://www.fec.gov, has jurisdiction over campaign questions regarding federal races, such as congressional races.

18. I am concerned about receiving automated calls, often called “robo calls.” What should I do?

For information about automated calls, please see  RoboCallsHadout2017.pdf (mt.gov) 

19. Where can I find my polling place?

Find your polling place by visiting the Montana Secretary of State's My Voter Page. If you are unable to locate your polling place, you can contact the Butte-Silver Bow Clerk and Recorder's office at 406-497-6342 or email clerkrec@bsb.mt.gov. You can also view our list of polling precincts.

20. I moved within the last year, do I need to re-register?

Yes! If you moved within Silver Bow County you need to re-register with the Clerk and Recorder's Office (155 W Granite, Room 208 in Butte). Contact the Butte-Silver Bow Clerk and Recorder's office at 406-497-6342 or email  shollis@bsb.mt.gov
for more information.

If you moved to a different county, you need to register within your new county of residence. Visit the Secretary of State's website to see a complete list of Montana election offices.