Ballots in city election going out next week

Press release

Ballots for the Tuesday, Nov. 5, Havre Municipal General Election — Ward 4 only — are now available at the Clerk and Recorder’s office in the Hill County Courthouse. This is a Mail Ballot Election, No polling locations will be open on Election Day.

People who are already on the active list and reside in Ward 4 will be mailed a ballot Friday, Oct. 18. Electors can go to My Voter Page at https://app.mt.gov/voterinfo to verify if they are registered and their address.

People who are not registered can do so by appearing in person with identification at the Hill County Clerk and Recorder’s office and vote your ballot.

Late registration will close at noon Monday, Nov. 4. Late registration will resume on Election Day at 7 a.m. at the Clerk and Recorder’s Office and will close at 8 p.m.

Ballots must be received no later than 8 p.m. Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 5, to be counted. Ballots postmarked Nov. 5 but arriving after 8 p.m. that day will not be counted.

The Hill County Clerk and Recorder’s Office also is reminding voters that the “Ballot Interference Prevention Act” — BIPA — which passed in the November 2018 General Election is in full effect and that legal requirements for in-person delivered ballots have changed.

Under BIPA, election administrators are required to have all ballot collectors register their contact information and each voter’s address for every ballot they deliver on behalf of a voter.

Below are tips that will help if people wish to drop off ballots for family, friends, acquaintances or caregivers to remain in compliance with Montana law:

• BIPA does not apply for ballots returned by mail.

• If you will be collecting and dropping off ballots for other voters, fill out the BIPA form before you collect ballots. You will need to record the address for each voter whose ballot you are delivering. Save time by completing the form before delivering ballots.

• You can collect and deliver a maximum of six ballots per election.

• Remember, you only need to fill out a BIPA registry form if you are dropping off other voter’s ballots. You do not need to fill out a BIPA registry form to drop off your own ballot.

• Do you know others who help their family and friends deliver ballots? If so, help spread the word about BIPA requirements.

• If you have question contact the Hill County Clerk and Recorder’s office at 406-265-5481 ext 2321.

Authorized person can drop off a maximum of six ballots per election. Any ballots delivered in excess of six ballots may be assessed a $500 penalty per ballot.