Montana Election Observation Initiative
A Nonpartisan Election Observation project sponsored by The Carter Center
The Montana Election Observation Initiative (MTEOI) aims to enhance transparency and public understanding about election procedures in Montana, detect and deter electoral malfeasance, and offer evidence-based recommendations for electoral reform to improve the conduct of elections, if warranted.
In Elections, Transparency Fosters Trust
The Carter Center worked with local organizations in three states to observe the 2024 general election in hopes of improving public confidence in the U.S. voting system.
MTEOI Activity
Observers will report on how Montana election laws and procedures are followed, representing all voters without interfering in the electoral process. Findings from their observations will be compiled to assess the overall quality of elections in Montana.
Research has long indicated that the presence of nonpartisan or independent election observers during critical stages of an election can improve election administration and bolster public trust in electoral outcomes.
The 2022 Survey of the Performance of American Elections – a national survey administered to 10,200 registered voters – found, for example, that a majority of American voters (61%) would have more confidence in the integrity and security of their state’s election system if they knew that nonpartisan poll watchers had observed the process.
Research has long indicated that the presence of nonpartisan or independent election observers during critical stages of an election can improve election administration and bolster public trust in electoral outcomes.
The 2022 Survey of the Performance of American Elections – a national survey administered to 10,200 registered voters – found, for example, that a majority of American voters (61%) would have more confidence in the integrity and security of their state’s election system if they knew that nonpartisan poll watchers had observed the process.
MTEOI Board of Directors
- Jeff ManganBoardJeff has spent 35+ years successfully navigating roles in the private & public sectors. Having led several successful businesses and serving when given the opportunity in both elected and appointed public service roles, Jeff served several terms in the Montana House and Senate. Jeff was appointed as Montana's 12th Commissioner of Political Practices and served from 2017 - 2022.
- Geraldine CusterBoardGeraldine Custer has a public service career spanning 44 years. Elected as the Rosebud County Clerk and Recorder in l978, Custer retired after 36 years. She championed legislation for all mail ballot elections beginning with special districts, and expanding to schools, municipal and even a Federal General during Covid.
Custer served four terms in the Montana Legislature serving on State Administration, Taxation, Energy and Local Government Committees - Casey HayesBoardCasey Hayes began working in election administration in 2014 at the Montana Secretary of State’s Office. From 2018 through 2021, he served as the Election Manager for Gallatin County during which time the department received national recognition from the Election Assistance Commission for outstanding innovations in elections.
- Daniel BruceBoardDaniel served as MTEOI's 1st Program Director as we launched MTEOI in 2024. Following the successful 2024 General Election leading MTEOI's observation program, Daniel returned to his position in the private sector. In 2026, MTEOI invited Daniel to join the leadership team on the Board of Directors.
For the 2026 Montana Election Cycle
MTEOI is expanding observation to cover both the June 2 primary and the November 3 general election, building on lessons learned from our observation activities over the past two years.
These are the counties MTEOI is seeking observers for this year:
Primary & General Elections: Chouteau, Gallatin, Missoula, Pondera, Teton, Toole
General Election only: Bighorn, Broadwater, Carbon, Cascade, Custer, Flathead, Glacier, Hill, Lake, Lewis and Clark, Ravalli, Rosebud, Valley, Yellowstone
If you wish to volunteer as a nonpartisan observer, please complete the Recruitment Form (scan the QR code or click 2026 Interest Form) or contact us at montana@cartercenter.org and we'll initiate the process. MTEOI observers are provided training, materials, and a small stipend.
MTEOI is expanding observation to cover both the June 2 primary and the November 3 general election, building on lessons learned from our observation activities over the past two years.
These are the counties MTEOI is seeking observers for this year:
Primary & General Elections: Chouteau, Gallatin, Missoula, Pondera, Teton, Toole
General Election only: Bighorn, Broadwater, Carbon, Cascade, Custer, Flathead, Glacier, Hill, Lake, Lewis and Clark, Ravalli, Rosebud, Valley, Yellowstone
If you wish to volunteer as a nonpartisan observer, please complete the Recruitment Form (scan the QR code or click 2026 Interest Form) or contact us at montana@cartercenter.org and we'll initiate the process. MTEOI observers are provided training, materials, and a small stipend.
2026 Interest QR Code
Current News
Montana Election Observation Initiative News & Media
MTEOI Call for Observers
Montana's elections belong to all Montanans. Help strengthen public confidence in our democratic process by serving as a nonpartisan election observer in 2026!
2025 Montana Municipal Election Final Report
The Montana Election Observation Initiative's 2025 Montana Municipal Election Final Report
MTEOI Preliminary Statement
11/06/2025 - Montana Election Observation Initiative Announces Key 2025 Municipal Election Observation Findings - Preliminary
MTEOI Press Release
The Montana Election Observation Initiative (MTEOI) today announced its strategic focus on municipal elections throughout 2025, building on its seminal 2024 deployment across sixteen counties, representing 75 percent of Montana voters. MTEOI understands that local elections are vitally important to the health of a democracy and recognizes electoral integrity as a year-round public concern
MTEOI press release
In the midst of renewed discussions regarding potential restrictions on mail-in voting, the Montana Election Observation Initiative (MTEOI) today reaffirmed Montana's long-standing tradition of providing secure, accessible absentee voting options to all registered voters.
MTEOI Releases 2024 General Election Report
The Carter Center
The Carter Center worked with local organizations in three states to observe the 2024 general election in hopes of improving public confidence in the U.S. voting system.
MTEOI Blog
"From one corner of the sprawling state to the other, we met passionate citizens from all political leanings who saw this program as an exciting window into the inner workings of Montana’s elections"
Voices of Montana (radio program)
There’s no doubt the 2020 presidential election left some questions to be answered about the integrity of our election system. In Montana, one group is taking steps forward in closely observing our election process and in training volunteers across the state to do the same for more accountability. Co-Chairs of the Montana Election Observation Initiative Geraldine Custer and Jeff Mangan, join the program to discuss their initial reactions and report on the 2024 general election in Montana.
Issue One - Democracy Fix
With such a closely watched vote count in 2024, election process transparency is critical for voter confidence. Former Montana Commissioner of Political Practices Jeff Mangan and former State Representative Geraldine Custer join Dr. Carah Ong Whaley and Risa Dorf to share their new nonpartisan initiative to provide voters in Montana with trusted and independent oversight of state elections.
Contact Us
Montana Election Observation Initiative
sponsored by the Carter Center & Maureen and Mike Mansfield Center
+1 (406)452-6966
montana@cartercenter.org
montana@cartercenter.org