Commissioners to decide mail-in vs. in-person voting this week

Governor Steve Bullock on Aug. 6 issued a directive allowing Montana counties to conduct the Nov. 3 general election by mail if they choose, and extending early voting dates. The directive is in accordance with the existing state of emergency declaration in place due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Lake County Commissioners will meet at 3 p.m., today, Aug. 13, to discuss whether to implement the mail-in vote option, as was done for the June primary.

The directive set early voting to begin three days earlier than usual. Starting October 2, ballots are available for in-person voting at the Elections office at the courthouse. Ballots will be mailed Friday, October 9 to those already signed up for mail ballots, and the same date will apply if the full mail-in option is adopted.

Late registration by mail is allowed until one week before the election, rather than the 30 days usually required. After that, in-person registration and voting can still be done through election day at the Elections office.