Nearly All the Absentee Votes in Montana Cast

This is amazing to witness.  As of Monday the 4th, 5:00 p.m., of the half million absentee ballots mailed out, 425,000 have been returned.  An unprecedented number of Montanans have spared themselves the time and hassle of Election Day voting and took care of their ballot choices early.

Now for the reality check.  There are over 750,000 registered voters in the state.  Just do the math.  325,000 folks will be in long lines, spending the time to get their votes.  The polls will be open until 8:00 tonight.

If you are one of the remaining 325k, bring a lawn chair, a water bottle and a good book.  Have a comfortable time and Thank You so much for Voting!

Prior Post, October 30th

In less than one week, with less than a week before Election Day, another 160,000 ballots have been turned in to offices across the state.  That means over half of the 500,000 absentee ballots have returned with the voters' choices.

In a press release from Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen's office, almost 285,000 ballots have arrived from Montanans.  That is around 57%.

This is great.  On Election Day, November 5th, the lines may be shorter at the polling places.  Election workers may have an easier workday before the counting begins.

Jacobsen makes a suggestion for the remaining absentee voters.  "Now that we are within one week of Election Day, election officials encourage absentee voters to deliver their ballots in person to ensure that they are received, signatures verified, and prepared for counting. Ballots must be voted and delivered by 8 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, November 5."

Translated, don't put your ballot in the mail.  While I support the Postal Service and their staff, there's no guarantee it will arrive at the election office in time.  Want to ensure?  Deliver it yourself.

Original Post, October 23rd, 2024

Good Job, Montanans

We are not wasting any time getting our votes in prior to Election Day.

The Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen reported in a release that of the just over 500,000 absentee ballots that were mailed in early October, about 125,000 have been dropped into the ballot boxes.  Yep, 1 in 4 have been turned in.

"Friends, family, and neighbors are casting their votes statewide to ensure their voices are heard in this historic election," Jacobsen said in the release.  She then invited the remaining voters to fill out their ballots and deliver them to the election authorities in their counties.

Fox News reported that nationally over 19 million votes have been cast early.

You Can Track Your Ballot

Want to ensure your choices will be counted?  At VoteMT.gov you can follow your Ballot through the process.  I tried this just now since I am one of the 125k.

At their main page, click on the Learn More of the red My Ballot Info button.  At the next page just input your first name, last name and date of birth, then click on Submit.  The website will present your information with addresses and district.  Click on the blue Menu button.

A left sidebar will appear with the option Track my Ballot.  Click on that and a page will appear with the status:

SENT: Your ballot was mailed to you by the county office.  If you have not received it, contact them.

RECEIVED: Your ballot with your votes has been received at your county office.

ACCEPTED: Your signature on the ballot envelope has been verified.  Your choices will be counted into the tabulation.

UNDELIVERABLE or REJECTED: Something has gone wrong with your ballot.  Call or visit your county election office immediately.  Staff there will happily assist you in ensuring your voice is heard in these elections.

Only a Couple Weeks Left

Thank God.  You are welcome to deliver your ballot to your local election office now through November 5th.  Once done, you may blissfully ignore all the ads and mailers.  Have a pleasant next couple weeks.

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