Absentee ballots head out in advance of November’s general election today, Oct. 14, marking the beginning of voting in this year’s midterm elections.

To receive an absentee ballot, registered voters must apply through the Flathead County Election Department. Importantly, the application must be submitted by noon the day prior to the election and the completed absentee ballot must be received at the county election office by 8 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 8.

Applications for an absentee ballot are available on the Election Department’s website at flathead.mt.gov/department-directory/election.

If returning the completed ballot by mail, the U.S. Postal Service recommends sending it a week in advance. A ballot postmarked prior to the 8 p.m. deadline but received afterwards will not be accepted. Postage of 60 cents is required and the person issued the ballot must sign the affirmation on the return envelope.

Voters also have the option of dropping off an absentee ballot in person at the county election office, 290B N. Main St., Kalispell.

When filling out an absentee ballot, use a pen with blue or black ink to fill in the oval next to the candidate’s name. Other marks, including checks or X’s, are not allowed. Crossing out, erasing or using correction fluid on errors also is forbidden as is including any identifying marks on the ballot or selecting multiple choices for a race.

Voters who make a mistake on their ballot are encouraged to contact the election office for a replacement.

To add a write-in candidate, make sure to fill in the oval next to the line completely and print the candidate’s name in the blank space. Preprinted labels are not allowed.

Voters can check the status of their absentee ballot as well as their registration status and polling location by visiting the My Voter Page set up by the Montana Secretary of State at https://app.mt.gov/voterinfo/.

Those eligible to vote, but not yet registered must fill out a voter registration form, available digitally at flathead.mt.gov/department-directory/election/voter-information, and visit the Election Department. The office is open between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Owing to a court injunction, Montana residents can register up to 8 p.m. on Election Day this year.

Voters planning on heading to the polls in person on Nov. 8 must show one of several acceptable forms of identification. These include a Montana driver’s license, school ID, military ID, Tribal Photo identification card, U.S. Passport or state-issued concealed carry permit. Voters also have the option of bringing in a utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, government check or another type of government document establishing the individual’s name and residency along with a form of photo identification also bearing their name.

A list of polling locations for Election Day is available at https://flathead.mt.gov/application/files/4216/6500/0250/2022_pollingplaces_PUBxlsx.pdf. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

For more information, contact the county election office at 758-5535.