MTEOI Activity
Montana Nonpartisan Election Observation
Thanks for your interest! Please see our Code of Conduct and Submit our Recruitment Form! PLEASE NOTE - We are recruiting for nonpartisan election observers for the Montana Elections in 2026. Our findings from these elections will enable voters to better understand Montana election procedures & processes in all elections.
Call for Election Observers — 2026
Montana's elections belong to all Montanans. Help strengthen public confidence in our democratic process by serving as a nonpartisan election observer in 2026!
What is MTEOI? The Montana Election Observation Initiative mobilizes trained, nonpartisan observers to watch elections across the state, providing real-time assessments on how the process works and supporting the dedicated public servants who run our elections. MTEOI is guided by international election observation principles adapted for the Montana context.
What's ahead in 2026? 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
What do observers do?
· Observe election administration processes such as polling place operations, ballot processing, and post-election procedures
· Complete standardized observation checklists
· Report findings that contribute to a comprehensive, public observation report with contextualized recommendations
Who should apply? We welcome Montanans from all backgrounds and political perspectives who are committed to nonpartisanship and civic engagement. No prior experience is required — all observers receive comprehensive training before mobilization.
What's required?
· Commitment to strict nonpartisanship while serving as an observer
· Attendance at a mandatory training session
· Availability to observe on Election Day and/or during designated observation periods
· Willingness to travel within the county where you reside
How to get involved: Complete the Recruitment Form. Scan the QR code or click 2026 Interest Form
MTEOI intends to facilitate conversations between election administrators to sustain the past year’s achievements, collaborate on lessons learned, and establish best practices. We will also work against misinformation and disinformation by engaging with voters through www.votinginmontana.org and highlighting their role in participating in elections.
The Carter Center, in collaboration with the community of election administrators, has established a well-being resource guide for election officials – Taking Care of Yourself and Your Team. MTEOI is dedicated to ensuring those who deliver democracy have the necessary tools to build resilience and improved wellness in an extremely stressful profession.
MTEOI is committed to Montana’s elections and will continue its mission through education, outreach, and support.
Call for Election Observers — 2026
Montana's elections belong to all Montanans. Help strengthen public confidence in our democratic process by serving as a nonpartisan election observer in 2026!
What is MTEOI? The Montana Election Observation Initiative mobilizes trained, nonpartisan observers to watch elections across the state, providing real-time assessments on how the process works and supporting the dedicated public servants who run our elections. MTEOI is guided by international election observation principles adapted for the Montana context.
What's ahead in 2026? 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
What do observers do?
· Observe election administration processes such as polling place operations, ballot processing, and post-election procedures
· Complete standardized observation checklists
· Report findings that contribute to a comprehensive, public observation report with contextualized recommendations
Who should apply? We welcome Montanans from all backgrounds and political perspectives who are committed to nonpartisanship and civic engagement. No prior experience is required — all observers receive comprehensive training before mobilization.
What's required?
· Commitment to strict nonpartisanship while serving as an observer
· Attendance at a mandatory training session
· Availability to observe on Election Day and/or during designated observation periods
· Willingness to travel within the county where you reside
How to get involved: Complete the Recruitment Form. Scan the QR code or click 2026 Interest Form
MTEOI intends to facilitate conversations between election administrators to sustain the past year’s achievements, collaborate on lessons learned, and establish best practices. We will also work against misinformation and disinformation by engaging with voters through www.votinginmontana.org and highlighting their role in participating in elections.
The Carter Center, in collaboration with the community of election administrators, has established a well-being resource guide for election officials – Taking Care of Yourself and Your Team. MTEOI is dedicated to ensuring those who deliver democracy have the necessary tools to build resilience and improved wellness in an extremely stressful profession.
MTEOI is committed to Montana’s elections and will continue its mission through education, outreach, and support.
As a nonpartisan election observer for the Montana Election Observation Initiative, you'll be asked to follow our Code of Conduct. Observers are provided training, materials, observation schedule, and a small stipend. We thank you for your interest!
Montana Election Observation Initiative Code of Conduct for Nonpartisan Election Observers
By signing this code of conduct, nonpartisan election observers agree to be bound by its provisions. The Montana Election Observation Initiative reserves the right to dismiss any individual who fails to uphold this code of conduct.
1.Observers will inform themselves about the process that they are observing through review of any materials provided and attendance at any mandatory training sessions.
2.Observers will conduct themselves at all times in a civil and serious manner that will reflect positively on the nonpartisan observation effort. They will respect state and local laws, abide by any instructions provided by election officials and maintain a respectful attitude.
3.Observers recognize that they can in no way interfere with the elections process. They cannot provide guidance to election workers or behave in a disruptive or distracting manner in any way. Should they have objections or concerns, they will elevate them through established channels.
4.All observers must maintain strict impartiality while they are observing. At no time during their observation will they publicly indicate or express bias or preference with regards to any political party, candidate(s) or ballot initiatives.
5.Observers must not display any party symbols at any time while they are observing. This means that they will not carry, wear or display electoral material or any article of clothing, emblem, colors, hats, badges, etc. that would indicate their support for or opposition to any party, candidate or key issues in contention in the election.
6.Observers will be objective in their reporting and refrain from sharing rumors or speculation. They will report what they see – positive or negative – in a timely and accurate manner.
7.Observers are not allowed to engage in intimidating conduct, nor to carry or display arms or weapons of any kind during the time they are engaged with the project.
8.Individual observers who violate any provisions of this code of conduct will be immediately withdrawn and their organization will be notified.
I, the undersigned, agree to abide by these provisions at all times during my association with Montana Election Observation Initiative or risk my permanent removal from the effort.
By signing this code of conduct, nonpartisan election observers agree to be bound by its provisions. The Montana Election Observation Initiative reserves the right to dismiss any individual who fails to uphold this code of conduct.
1.Observers will inform themselves about the process that they are observing through review of any materials provided and attendance at any mandatory training sessions.
2.Observers will conduct themselves at all times in a civil and serious manner that will reflect positively on the nonpartisan observation effort. They will respect state and local laws, abide by any instructions provided by election officials and maintain a respectful attitude.
3.Observers recognize that they can in no way interfere with the elections process. They cannot provide guidance to election workers or behave in a disruptive or distracting manner in any way. Should they have objections or concerns, they will elevate them through established channels.
4.All observers must maintain strict impartiality while they are observing. At no time during their observation will they publicly indicate or express bias or preference with regards to any political party, candidate(s) or ballot initiatives.
5.Observers must not display any party symbols at any time while they are observing. This means that they will not carry, wear or display electoral material or any article of clothing, emblem, colors, hats, badges, etc. that would indicate their support for or opposition to any party, candidate or key issues in contention in the election.
6.Observers will be objective in their reporting and refrain from sharing rumors or speculation. They will report what they see – positive or negative – in a timely and accurate manner.
7.Observers are not allowed to engage in intimidating conduct, nor to carry or display arms or weapons of any kind during the time they are engaged with the project.
8.Individual observers who violate any provisions of this code of conduct will be immediately withdrawn and their organization will be notified.
I, the undersigned, agree to abide by these provisions at all times during my association with Montana Election Observation Initiative or risk my permanent removal from the effort.