Lincoln County Election Frequently Asked Questions

What ID do I need to be able to vote?

All voters are required to show one form of identification at the polls on Election Day. The following are acceptable forms of identification:

  • County Voter Confirmation card
  • Montana Driver’s License or any form of photo ID with the voters name
  • State issued ID
  • Federal issued ID
  • Tribal ID
  • Student ID
  • Military ID
  • If you do not have a photo ID, you may provide a utility bill, bank statement, paycheck or any government-issued document with the voter’s name and current mailing address.

Can someone vote without any form of identification?

Yes. Montana law, in combination with the Help America Vote Act, provides alternative channels for a person without the required forms of identification to cast their vote. Here is how it works:

  • If you do not have any of the items listed above, you can still vote by requesting and filling out a Polling Place Elector ID form. An election judge can provide this at your polling place.
  • You can vote a provisional ballot and provide one of the items listed above the day after the election. Your provisional ballot will be counted if you provide one of the items on the list to the County Elections Office by 5 p.m. the day after the election. You can also mail it to the County Election Office postmarked by the day after the election.

What is absentee voting?

  • Absentee voting is when voters receive their ballots by mail. Individuals must complete the Application for Absentee Ballot receive their voting packet via mail. Montana law allows any registered voter the ability to request an absentee ballot.
  • Absentee voting is sometimes referred to as “voting by mail” since it allows the individual to cast their ballot from home.
  • If you know that you will be out of the area through during an election cycle, you may fill out the a Application for Absentee Ballot form and put down your seasonal address and dates you will be gone.
  • A physical signature is required on the absentee application. Our office cannot accept typed print in place of a signature. If sending the application electronically: complete & print the online application, sign, scan, and email as a PDF.
  • The application may be mailed:
    Lincoln County Elections
    418 Mineral Ave.
    Libby, MT 59923

   OR

  • The application may be dropped off:
    Lincoln County Elections Office
    418 Mineral Ave. Libby, MT
  • An absentee voting packet will be mailed to the address you indicated on your application, or you can pick up the packet at the Lincoln County Election Office at the time you apply for the absentee ballot, if ballots are available at that time.
  • Applications must be received by the Lincoln County Election Office by noon the day before the election. If you drop off the application, you will be able to pick up the absentee ballot at the same time, once ballots are available.
  • After voting the absentee ballot, return in the envelope(s) provided. READ INSTRUCTIONS INCLUDED WITH THE PACKET CAREFULLY.
  • Be sure to sign the affirmation on the return envelope before sending back or dropping off. Note: The person to whom the ballot was issued must be the person signing the return envelope.

When are the Federal Primary and General Elections held?

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. Presidential elections are combined with the congressional, statewide, state district and county elections.

  • 2024 federal primary election: Tuesday, June 4
  • 2024 federal general election: Tuesday, Nov. 5

When are the Municipal Primary and General Elections held?

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.

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

Yes!  If you moved within Lincoln County, you need to re-register by mail or at our office. Please visit our Voter Registration Application page to re-register. If you moved to a different county, you need to register in your new county.  Visit the Secretary of State’s website to see a complete list of Montana election offices.

What if I recently changed my name, do I need to re-register?

To verify voter eligibility, our office requires current voter information. Please submit a name change using  our Voter Registration Application to ensure your registration is up to date.

I updated or registered at the driver’s license center; do I still need to register to vote?

Voter registration information that the driver’s license center collects can take a while to reach the Elections Office. It is best to wait for that time period and then visit the Voter Portal to verify if the driver’s license center submitted the most recent information. If it is within a few days of the election  Voter Portal does not reflect your new information, please contact your local Election Office so that we may confirm your registration has been received.