Observation

MTEOI Activity

Montana Nonpartisan Election Observation

Thanks for your interest! Please see our Code of Conduct and Submit our Recruitment Form! PLEASE NOTE - We will be recruiting soon for nonpartisan election observers for the Montana Municipal Election in 2025

The Montana Election Observation Initiative (MTEOI) is maintaining the momentum from our nonpartisan election observation and encouraging continued civic engagement, a critical component of a healthy democracy and informed electorate, while supporting those who conduct our elections.

Based on our findings from 2024, 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.

In 2025, we will continue our mission of election observation by evaluating mail ballot processes and outcomes of selected local elections this November. Findings from this election will enable voters to better understand the absentee ballot procedures in all elections.

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.