JOHNSON: LATE REGISTRATION BEGINS

HELENA—Montana’s late registration period for the June primary election begins today. Secretary of State Brad Johnson marked the occasion by urging eligible Montanans to register as soon as possible.

“Just because it’s called late registration doesn’t mean you have to be late,” Johnson said. “Montanans who aren’t yet registered to vote can find out how to do so by visiting www.montanavotes.net. People can register up through Election Day itself, but Election Day goes smoother for everyone, and your local election officials will thank you, if you register as soon as possible.”

Montana law establishes a timeline for regular voter registration and a separate timeline for late registration. The difference is that voters who sign up during regular registration can then go to their local polling place and vote in person on Election Day. Voters who wait for late registration must go to their county election office, where they will be given a ballot right away to vote at the election office or take home and return at their convenience. Regular registration ended on May 5, and late registration begins on May 6 and runs through the primary election, with a small exception from noon to five PM the day before the election.

Individuals who do not know if they are registered to vote can find out by contacting their county election administrator, normally the county clerk and recorder. Most people who voted in the 2006 elections are registered to vote. Also, most who voted in 2004 but not 2006 are registered to vote.  However, if individuals moved in between their last vote and now, they should register again so they get an opportunity to vote locally.

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