Trump order could change mail-in voting in Montana

MISSOULA, Mont. — A new executive order from President Donald Trump has raised questions in Montana, where most voters cast ballots by mail.

The order addresses perceived shortcomings in national election security, creating a national federal voter list and calling for upgraded mail-in ballot formatting.

More than 80% of ballots cast in the 2024 general election in Montana were absentee ballots. Many local elections in the state are also mail-in only.

Alice Boyer, executive director of Forward Montana, said she worried the order could make voting harder for people across the state.

“Folks will either just not turn out to vote because they're scared of long election lines. They aren't sure whether or not they can actually mail their ballot back. They're not sure whether or not it'll get there in time," said Boyer. "So, I think it has a huge impact, potentially to lower the amount of turnout in the state, especially for folks in indigenous communities and in rural areas."

Boyer said she hoped people would take time to learn more about how elections already worked in Montana.

“If you are really concerned about making sure that our elections are safe and secure, you should go down to your local elections office and talk to your local elected officials, who are actually running your elections. Ask for a tour. Ask to better understand how elections are run locally,” Boyer said.

Bradley Seaman, elections administrator for Missoula County, said the order would not affect local elections in May and June. He said his office was still waiting to see what could happen by November.

“It's going to require guidance from multiple different agencies, but right now we are watching it, tracking it. We know that there are potential legal challenges. And as we figure out exactly what that looks like for the impacts for voters. We'll be sure to let them know,” Seaman said.