Residents have until Nov. 1 to register to vote

With just over a month left until this year’s municipal general election, Lincoln County poll officials are reminding residents to register to vote.

Regular registration closes Oct. 4 at 5 p.m., according to a press release from the county elections department. Voters who miss the deadline can still register late by coming to the election office inside the Lincoln County Courthouse before noon on Nov. 1.

A new state law, signed by Gov. Greg Gianforte in April, ended Montana’s established practice of allowing voters to register to vote on Election Day.

Residents looking to register or update their name, address or other voter information should turn in a voter registration form to the election office. Voters can find the application by calling the office at 406-283-2302* or downloading it from the county website.

Applicants must sign the document before submitting it.

New voters should take heed of a recently enacted state law that changed identification requirements for voter registration. Residents can present either a Montana driver’s license, a passport, the last four digits of their social security number, concealed carry permit or a state, tribal or military ID card as a standalone form of ID.

As an alternative, residents can use a photo ID that displays their name along with a current utility bill, bank statement, government document showing their name and current address, a paycheck or a government check.

When casting their ballot at the polls, voters will have to present one of the aforementioned forms of photo ID. Poll voters cannot use the last four digits of their social security number to cast their ballot.

Troy and Eureka are both holding mail-in elections. Libby adopted a polling station election plan.

In the Libby City Council race, incumbents Gary Beach, Rob Dufficy, Kristin Smith, newly appointed City Councilor Zachariah McNew and newcomers Melissa Berke and Darrel “DC” Orr are vying for three seats. Recently appointed Mayor Peggy Williams is running against City Councilor Hugh Taylor and resident Kenny Rayome for the mayoral seat.

Troy City Council canceled this year’s general council election after only two candidates filed for two seats. Incumbent Shawna Kelsey will return to the council accompanied by newcomer JP Downey. Councilor Chuck Ekstedt vacated his seat to run against incumbent Mayor Dallas Carr for the mayoral seat.

Municipal elections are on Nov. 2.

*A previous version of this article listed an incorrect number for the county election office.