Missoula Mails 47,000 Primary Ballots Amid National Mail-In Voting Debate

MISSOULA — Missoula County Elections Office mailed more than 47,000 municipal primary ballots today to active and provisionally registered voters within city limits, launching a mail-only election that comes amid growing national scrutiny over mail-in voting practices.

Each ballot includes a mayoral race, and voters in Wards 2, 3 and 6 will also decide city council races. The election is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 9, with ballots due by 8 p.m. that day. A complete list of mayoral and city council candidates was available by Missoula County Elections Office.

“We’d love to see that number rise above 50% for a local election,” said Elections Administrator Bradley Seaman, referencing the 46.43% turnout in the 2023 municipal primary. “We want all eligible voters to vote, and we are excited to offer the new drive-thru location at the Hellgate Elementary baseball fields to help serve the expanding northwest area of the city.”

The mail-only format means no polling places will be available. Voters can return ballots by mail—with postage paid—or drop them off in person at the Elections Center at 140 N. Russell St. during business hours leading up to the election.

On Election Day, two drive-thru ballot drop locations will operate from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.:

• Hellgate Elementary baseball fields at 2385 Flynn Lane
• Missoula County Fairgrounds, between the fairgrounds and YMCA off Russell Street

National Debate Over Mail-In Voting

The Missoula election unfolds as mail-in voting faces renewed federal scrutiny. President Donald Trump has announced plans to sign an executive order banning mail-in ballots and voting machines ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, describing the method as “corrupt” and saying it fosters fraud.

The Commission on Federal Election Reform, co-chaired by former President Jimmy Carter and former Secretary of State James Baker, identified absentee ballots as the “largest source of potential voter fraud” in their 2005 report.

Trump’s proposed action would test constitutional boundaries, as election administration traditionally falls under state authority rather than presidential directive.

Local Election Changes

Missoula voters will notice ballots now have “official ballot” printed on them rather than stamped, due to legislation passed during the 2025 session requiring counties to print rather than stamp the designation.

Voters needing to register or update their information must visit the Elections Office in person. The office will close to new voter registration between noon and 5 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 8, though other services like ballot replacement will remain available.

Election Day voter registration will be available, and all voters in line at the Elections Center at 8 p.m. will be served.

“If you don’t see your ballot in a few days, contact us at 406-258-4751,” Seaman said.