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Treasure State Update

By DARRELL EHRLICK | Editor-in-Chief

“Business owners depend on the consistent application of the law so they can operate in a predictable environment that helps them create jobs and keep costs down. We need to keep politics out of our courts so our businesses can continue to contribute to the economic prosperity and sustainability of our community." – Lorrain Clarno, Kalispell Chamber of Commerce CEO, on Constitutional Initiative 132, which would make all judicial elections in Montana nonpartisan.

Voters to decide if Montana judiciary needs to be more political

Voters to decide if Montana judiciary needs to be more political

by Micah Drew

Barely a month after the 2025 Legislature, multiple organizations began efforts to put nonpartisan judicial elections in Montana’s Constitution.  The groups, which eventually folded together to bring a unified nonpartisan judicial initiative to November’s ballots, were responding to a push by conservative Republicans in the state Legislature, as well as Gov. Greg Gianforte, to make […]
Voting rights advocates organize volunteers to track potential intimidation at the polls

Voting rights advocates organize volunteers to track potential intimidation at the polls

by Jonathan Shorman

As President Donald Trump refuses to rule out taking extreme action in the midterm elections, voting rights advocates and civil rights leaders are bolstering their voter protection efforts in anticipation of possible federal interference. The focus by activists comes amid uncertainty among advocates and election officials over what Trump may do before, during and after Election […]
Montana voter information pamphlet hits mailboxes ahead of ballots

Montana voter information pamphlet hits mailboxes ahead of ballots

by Micah Drew

Before voters receive their ballots in the mail, they should find a copy of the 2026 Montana Voter Information Pamphlet, courtesy of the Montana Secretary of State’s office. The state-issued guide offers information on the three ballot issues that voters will decide on, and includes arguments and rebuttals for and against each issue. Those arguments […]
DAILY MONTANAN ELECTION GUIDE 2026

Democracy is not spectator sport, and as Montana absentee ballots start hitting the mailboxes, we want you to have the information, literally at your fingertips.

The staff of the Daily Montanan has compiled the 2026 Voter Guide, which can be found here. It’s on our homepage and includes important dates to remember, frequently asked questions about voting in Montana, profiles and story about candidates, as well as information about ballot initiatives. Plus, as always, our coverage is supplemented by a robust team of national and Washington, D.C., capitol reporters who help readers understand the national political conversation.

As we continue to cover the 2026 Election, our stories will automatically flow into the guide so that you can reference the materials when it comes time to make the most important decision in democracy: How to cast your ballot.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

Top Democratic US Senate PAC commits to 9 states, eyes more Republican targets

 Trump asks Nebraska to ‘pretend’ he’s on the midterm ballot

Democrats more trusted on healthcare costs, survey shows

Anti-abortion groups worry Hyde Amendment’s 50-year run could end with new congressional majority

GOOD READS

Note: Some links may lead to stories behind a news organization's paywall

Jim Bakker, television preacher felled by sex and financial scandal, dies at 86 | The New York Times

Republican gubernatorial nominee Gregg Hull announces plan to phase out New Mexico’s income tax | Source New Mexico 

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