Complete Back-up Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot

Montana allows you to use the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB) for registration and voting in general, special, and primary elections for local, State and Federal offices. Feel free to use the FWAB to vote anytime before an election. You may not need to fill out this entire form. Check out the instructions below to see what information your State requires.

Open Back-up Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot

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What do I fill in?

Only the following blocks of the Voter's Declaration/Affirmation are required:

Block 1.a: Select the category that describes you.

Block 1.b: Montana allows you to use this form for registration.

Block 2.a: Name (Last, First, Middle)

Block 2.e: Date of Birth

Blocks 2.f and 2.g: Enter your valid Montana Driver's License number. If you do not have a Montana Driver’s License, enter the last four digits of your Social Security number. If you do not possess either of these identification numbers, the State shall assign a number that will serve to identify you for voter registration purposes.

Blocks 2.h through 2.j: Recommended but not required. Provide your contact information to allow your local election official to follow up if more information is required.

Block 3.a through 3.e: Complete street address of your Montana voting residence. A post office box is not sufficient. If your address includes a rural route, describe its location in Block 6. This address must be within the county where you claim legal voting residence.

Block 4.a: Enter your current mailing address.

Block 5: If you are using this form to register and wish vote in primary elections, you must enter your political party affiliation.

Block 6: Provide any information that may assist the local election official in accepting this ballot or application.

Block 7: Sign and date. No witness or notary required.

Once the ballot is complete, fold and place it in the security envelope and seal. Place only the voted ballot in the security envelope and do not write on the security envelope. Insert the sealed security envelope and the Voter's Declaration/Affirmation into the mailing envelope and seal.

Envelope Templates

Open Security Envelope Template

Open Postage-Paid Envelope Template

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The postage-paid envelope may be used in the U.S. postal system which includes: all U.S. Military Post Offices (APO/FPO) overseas or through the diplomatic pouch available at U.S. Embassies/Consulates

Mail

You must mail your back-up Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot to your local election official. Find your county or city in the address list below to locate your election official.

Overseas uniformed service members and their family members with access to Military Postal Service, may use the "Prepaid Expedited Mail - Label 11-DOD." This label is available at APO/FPO locations and can only be used for the general election. It provides expedited mail service up to seven days prior to the election. You can return your ballot with this label attached at any MPO/FPO, American embassy, or consulate. A portion of the label is retained by you for tracking your ballot through the U.S. Postal Service.

Open Election Official Address List

Don't know your county? Go to the county finder. Don't know your zip code? Go to the United States Postal Service website.

Fax

If you choose to fax, it is recommended that you fax the form directly to your local election official (fax numbers can be found on Montana's State Election website). Only certain counties in Montana allow faxing. You may also use our toll-free fax service:

Inside the U.S.? Fax to:
1-800-368-8683
(703)-693-5527
DSN 223-5527

Outside the U.S.? Show me a list of toll-free fax numbers

Email

If you choose to email, email the signed, scanned form directly to your local election official. Only certain counties in Montana allow emailing of this form. Email addresses can be found on Montana State Election website

Open Fax/Email Coversheet

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• Want to submit your Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot by fax or email? Remember that by faxing or emailing your voted ballot you are waiving your right to secrecy.
• If using our Electronic Transmission Service you must use the Fax/Email Coversheet.
• If you receive your State absentee ballot after submitting your Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot, fill it out and return it. The State absentee ballot will be counted instead of the back-up ballot if it's received in time.