New Ballot Rule Every Montanan Should Know

*****Double check your ballot and make sure you both signed the envelope and put down your birth year.

At this time, your safest bet is to drop your ballot off at the Cascade County Election office, 325 2nd Avenue North*****

It's Time To Vote, Great Falls

Yesterday I filled out my ballot for the municipal election in Great Falls. We have until 8pm on November 4, 2025 to either mail or drop off filled in ballots to the Cascade County Election Office at 325 2nd Avenue North in Great Falls. The office is open 8am-5pm weekdays.

What Are We Voting On In Cascade County?

• Mayor
• 2 city commission seats
• Municipal court judge
• Representatives for Neighborhood Council 3
• To ban or not to ban fireworks inside of Great Falls city limits

READ MORE: Do We Really Want These Data Centers In Montana?

Ballots Are Being Rejected In Record Numbers Across Montana

There is a new law on the books for voting by mail. For some reason, people aren't doing it.

What are they missing? Their birth year. Montana now requires a birth year with your signature on the return envelope for your ballot.

What's odd to me is it's right under the signature line. Why would so many of us leave it blank?

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Remember, if ANYTHING at all on your ballot is hinky, it will be rejected. According to the Daily Montanan, Montana is seeing a record number of rejected ballots this election cycle. Before you mail or drop off your ballot, double check that you've met all of the requirements. Your vote matters. Make sure it can't be tossed.

Why This Change To How Montana Votes By Mail?

The Montana Legislature passed House Bill 719 in 2025. The bill essentially says that a birth year is needed to both register to vote and for the ballot when a Montana citizen votes by mail.

It was said to ensure election integrity in the state.

As long as it isn't to disenfranchise voters, I'm fine with it. I am concerned at the rate of rejection, but hopefully that will get worked out once Montanans are used to the new requirement.

Can I See If My Ballot Was Rejected?

Yes, it's on the Montana Secretary of State's page, click here to get started.

To rectify a rejected ballot in Montana, click here BEFORE election day.

Sources: Daily Montanan, KPAX, Cascade County, Cascade County Legal Notice, Fast Democracy, Secretary of State Montana, Secretary of State Montana Voter Portal

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This is what came in my ballot envelope ⏬⏬⏬