November 3, 2026 - Federal General Election

A federal general election is held every even-numbered year on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. Ballots will mail to absentee voters and polling places will be open.

• Friday, Sept. 18 - UOCAVA (military and oversees) ballots mail

• Monday, Oct. 5 - regular voter registration closes at 5 p.m. 

• Tuesday, Oct. 6 - late registration begins at 8 a.m. (voters must appear in person to register to vote or make changes to existing voter registration)

• Friday, Oct. 9 - absentee ballots mail

• Monday, Nov. 2 - temporary close of late registration, noon to 5 p.m. (no registrations will be processed during this time)

• Tuesday, Nov. 3 - Election Day. Voter registration is available from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Elections Center. Polling places will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Office Hours

After regular registration has closed, voters must appear in person at the Missoula County Elections Office – Building B, 140 N. Russell St., to update their information.

Late registration will be available during the following times:

• 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, October 6, through Friday, October 23.
• 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, October 26 through Friday, October 30
• 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, October 31
• 8 a.m. to noon, Monday, November 2

On Election Day, Tuesday, November 3, our office will be open and voter registration will be available from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. 

Learn more about this election on our Current Election page or by exploring our frequently asked questions.

The Missoula County Elections Office oversees and conducts all elections, including municipal, state and federal primaries and elections. Staff are also responsible for voter registration and list maintenance, petition signature processing, candidate filing, mailing and processing ballots and staffing polling places.

This department is funded through the General Fund line item on your tax bill.