MISSOULA – Elections officials in Missoula County say the number of people voting by absentee ballot is up compared to previous years.
Voters filed into the Missoula County Fairgrounds Monday to cast their ballots in 2018’s midterm election and drop off their absentees
As of 11:45 a.m. Monday, about 66 percent of absentee ballots had already been received by Missoula County election centers, totaling close to 40,000 ballots. Voting officials say that number is an increase compared previous midterm elections.
By the end of the day Monday election offices will have receipted all absentee ballots they have received to make the counting process easier and more efficient on Tuesday.
You can drop off those ballots at the South Avenue entrance to the fairgrounds Monday. There will also be a drop off at the fairgrounds on the Russell Street entrance on Election Day.
There is also an absentee drop off at the Missoula County Courthouse.
Construction is going on around the fairground and if you need any help navigating through the buildings, there are signs posted to direct to you to the proper building.
Parking will be available in the field to the east of Glacier Ice Rink. Building 15 is the Election Center.
There is a lot going on down at the fairgrounds, and Missoula County Elections Administrator Dayna Causby says she’s thankful for all the people who make this happen.
“The election staff is very dedicated to what they do and we want to thank all of the polling place mangers. All of the people that are working on counting ballots and especially my full-time staff,” Causby said. “They have spent many countless hours working to make this election successful and I appreciate all of them as well as all the voters who have already turned out returned their ballots and those that will show up at the polls on election day.”
If you’re not registered to vote, you can register Tuesday at the Missoula County Election Office up until 8 p.m. You’ll be given a ballot after you register and can fill it out and turn it in. If you’re in line by 8 p.m. to register, you’ll be able to vote.
Some polling places around Missoula have moved so you might need to check if your local polling center is at a new location. Some, like Hellgate Elementary, have been moved.
You can click here to find which Missoula centers have moved, and their new locations.
