Montana Code Annotated 2021

TITLE 13. ELECTIONS

CHAPTER 13. ELECTION PROCEDURE

Part 2. Procedure for Electors Absent From the Polling Place

Notice To Elector -- Opportunity To Resolve Questions

13-13-245. Notice to elector -- opportunity to resolve questions. (1) As soon as possible after receipt of an elector's absentee ballot application or signature envelope, the election administrator shall give notice to the elector by the most expedient method available if the election administrator determines that:

(a) the elector's ballot is to be handled as a provisional ballot;

(b) the validity of the ballot is in question; or

(c) the election administrator has not received or is unable to verify the elector's or agent's signature under 13-13-213 or 13-13-241.

(2) The election administrator shall inform the elector that, prior to 8 p.m. on election day, the elector may:

(a) by mail, facsimile, electronic means, or in person, resolve the issue that resulted in the ballot being handled as a provisional ballot, confirm the validity of the ballot, or verify the elector's or agent's signature or provide a signature, after proof of identification, by affirming that the signature is in fact the elector's, by completing a new registration form containing the elector's current signature, or by providing a new agent designation form; or

(b) if necessary, request and receive a replacement ballot pursuant to 13-13-204.

(3) The ballot of an elector who fails to provide information pursuant to subsection (2) must be handled as a provisional ballot pursuant to 13-15-107.

(4) (a) If a ballot is returned as undeliverable, the election administrator shall investigate the reason for the return.

(b) An elector must be provided with:

(i) the elector's undeliverable ballot upon notification by the elector of the elector's correct mailing address; or

(ii) a replacement ballot if a request has been made pursuant to 13-13-204.

History: En. Sec. 7, Ch. 101, L. 2011; amd. Sec. 38, Ch. 336, L. 2013; amd. Sec. 14, Ch. 368, L. 2017.