Montana organizations joined an effort to ensure eligible adults are registered to vote in this year’s election as part of National Voter Registration Day, Sept. 27.
Kiah Abbey, deputy director for the Forward Montana Foundation, had been working with the League of Women Voters, student governments, businesses and nonprofits across the state to set up places where people can register to vote.
“It’s a really easy way for community members, businesses and other organizations that may not be doing voter registration year round, to easily plug in and ensure that their customers and members are registered," said Abbey.
Their one-day goal was to sign up 750 people.
In Montana, people can register and vote a provisional ballot on election day. But Abbey said registering ahead of the election creates a better democracy and a better experience for voters and election officials.
“We know if people can register before that deadline and really make a plan to get out and vote, they are more likely to vote and research candidates and vote their values,” Abbey said.
Nov. 8 is Election Day. Regular voter registration ends Oct. 11, with late registration beginning Oct.12.
Montana Secretary of State Linda McCulloch helped celebrate National Voter Registration Day by hosting a meet and greet and voter registration drive at Carroll College.
