Montana Secretary of State Reveals Insights on Election Day

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - I spoke with Montana’s Secretary of State early Tuesday morning, Election Day, about the ongoing process of Montana citizens casting their ballots.

Jacobsen said a large number of absentee ballots had already been received throughout the state.

Jacobsen said 80 Percent of the Absentee Ballots Have Been Received

“80 percent of the absentee ballots have been received on Election Day, and we have reports that there are a lot of folks that are standing in line to register and vote throughout the state. If folks are going to vote in person you should find out where your polling place is by checking our website www.voteMt.gov.”

Jacobsen said last-minute voters can get more information online on where to go to cast their ballots.

“You can type in your name and your birth date and find out where you need to go for your polling place to vote in person,” she said. “The polls are open until 8:00 p.m. and if you want to register to vote today, you just need to be in line by 8:00 p.m.”

Jacobsen Related her Early Morning Election Day Experience

Jacobsen related a story of her Election Day experience in Helena.

“When I was voting at the Lewis and Clark County election office, a gentleman was returning his absentee ballot, and they instructed him to put it in the drop box outside of the office,” she said. “He was concerned that it wouldn't be received, and the security of it (his ballot). The election administrator informed him that there are security cameras on the ballot drop boxes, so those are being monitored at all times.”

As Election Day wears on, Jacobsen said results might be delayed because so many new voters are registering for the first time.

Jacobsen Said Results May Be Delayed Because of So Many New Registrations

“The counties have to clear the lines for voter registration before they can start publishing the results, so we might have a little delay in some of the bigger counties that have long lines where people are registering to vote,” she said. “They have to get those folks registered to vote, and allow them to vote before they can start publishing the results.”