One week before next Tuesday’s general election, Yellowstone County is on pace to shatter previous records for voter turnout.
As of Tuesday afternoon, 63,000 ballots had already been returned. The previous record was just shy of 72,000. Elections Administrator Bret Rutherford expects this year’s turnout will go well past that.
“I expect another 15,000 to come in either by mail or by a person.” Rutherford says.
Those who have not registered or are registered in another county, do still have time to make their voice heard in this election. You can go to the elections office at the Montana Pavilion at MetraPark. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. this week, 8 a.m. to noon Monday, Nov. 2 and 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 3.
Rutherford advises people not to wait until the very last minute.
“Do not wait until Election Day because our office is the only show in town and we will get swamped all day long. So, if you can do it, do it this week. If you are sitting on a ballot at home, I advise you to get it in the mail today or tomorrow—I wouldn’t mail it past Thursday if you are in Billings,” said Rutherford.
Rutherford says the best thing to do is to drop your ballot at the courthouse or at MetraPark. There is a drive-through drop off across from the arena.
Ten additional drop sites will be set up on Election Day:
Blue Creek School – 3652 Blue Creek Rd, Billings
Canyon Creek School – 3139 Duck Creek Rd, Billings
Custer School – 304 4th Ave, Custer
Elysian School – 6416 Elysian Rd, Billings
Independent School – 2907 Roundup Rd, Billings
Laurel High School – 203 E 8th St., Laurel
Lockwood High School Community Room – 1932 US HWY 87, Billings
Pioneer School – 1937 Dover Rd, Billings
Shepherd School Admin Building – 7842 Shepherd Rd, Shepherd
Yellowstone Valley Electric Co-Op – 150 Cooperative Way, Huntley
