Elections Office Hosts Tours for Voters to Learn About Election Processes
Posted on October 21, 2026
The Missoula County Elections Office invites voters looking to feel more confident about how election officials conduct accurate, accessible and secure elections to attend several process tours this election cycle.
The following tours will take place in the Elections Center, located at 140 N. Russell St. in Missoula:
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9:45 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27: Election equipment testing. Elections staff will test the tabulators used to count ballots to ensure they’re working properly ahead of Election Day. They will also test the ADA-compliant ExpressVote ballot marking devices to ensure they’re operating correctly for drop-off locations on Election Day.
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10:45 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 29: Ballot processing. Attendees will observe staff and volunteers following the multi-step process used to verify signatures, process ballots and ensure each ballot cast is counted.
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8:45 a.m. Monday, Nov. 2: Ballot tabulation. Attendees will observe staff conducting the final test of equipment, as well as the counting and retention process for voted ballots.
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2:45 p.m. Monday, Nov. 9: Provisional ballot count. Attendees will observe staff counting any accepted provisional ballots for the election.
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8:45 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 12: Post-election audit. Attendees will observe the process used to confirm that equipment worked correctly during the election. This is an audit of any ballot counting machines used during the election. It is completed by comparing a hand-count of ballots to the results from the equipment.
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11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17: Election canvass. State law requires the Elections Office and three county elected officials to verify the election with a canvass. The canvass ensures the number of ballots voted equals the number of ballots counted and that no ballots are missing or counted more than once.
“These tours are an engaging way to help clarify each step of the election process,” Elections Administrator Bradley Seaman said. “Each tour provides an opportunity for guests to ask questions and experience the in-depth nature of elections. The more people know about the process, the more confident they feel.”
If unable to attend an in-person tour, voters can learn how the Elections Office ensures all ballots are counted by watching the informational videos posted online at missoula.co/electionvideos. A list of frequently asked questions about this election is also available online at missoula.co/currentelection.
Residents who vote by mail can confirm the Elections Office has received and accepted their ballot by visiting MyVoterPageMT.com. Contact the Elections Office at [email protected] or 406-258-4751 to ask questions or for more information.
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