Missoula County Ballots Mail Thursday With New Birth Year Requirement
No polling places will open for Nov. 4 election; new law requires birth year plus signature on ballot envelopes

By Staff Writer
Oct 14, 2025
MISSOULA — Missoula County voters will receive ballots for the Nov. 4 all-mail municipal election, with no polling places open and a new requirement that could lead to ballot rejection if not followed properly.
The Missoula County Elections Office will mail approximately 77,833 ballots on Thursday, Oct. 16, to all active and provisionally registered voters in the City of Missoula and Missoula County.
Starting with this election, voters must write both their birth year and signature on the ballot return envelope’s affirmation section. Previously, only a signature was required.
“Due to changes in Montana law that went into effect on Oct. 1, voters are now required to write both their birth year and signature on the affirmation envelope,” according to the county’s weekly newsletter. “A ballot will be rejected if it does not include both the voter’s signature and birth year.”
The change stems from House Bill 719, passed by the 2025 Montana Legislature. The legislation is currently facing a legal challenge in state court.
Election Details
The all-mail election covers races for Missoula mayor, City Council wards 1 through 6, municipal judge districts 1, 2 and 3, and a countywide infrastructure mill levy. Voters living outside city limits will only vote on the mill levy.
Ballots must be returned by 8 p.m. on Election Day. Postmarks do not count. Return postage is prepaid, and voters can also drop off ballots at the Elections Center at 140 N. Russell St. during regular business hours.
Polling places will not be open on Election Day, as state law prohibits unattended ballot drop boxes during mail-only elections.
Residents can register to vote or update their registration until noon Monday, Nov. 3, at the Elections Center. Election Day registration will be available from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Sample ballots and candidate information are available at missoulavotes.com, while mill levy details can be found at missoulacountyvoice.com.
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