ElectionsCandidates & Filing Information
The Election Department administers the maintenance of the voter registration files, candidate filings and all aspects of the election process.
FilingForms
- Declaration for Nomination
- Write-In Declaration for Nomination
- Withdrawal of Candidacy
- Declaration for Nomination
School trustees file with School Business Managers/Clerks. Please contact your district for an up to date list.
- Campaign Finance Forms*
* Filed with the Montana Commissioner of Political Practices
2026 Election Dates& Filing Information
So, you want to run for office? If you'd like to serve in a local position, such as a City, County, school or special district seat, you'll need to file with the Yellowstone County Elections Office using the forms below.
Running to serve as a state senator or representative, or statewide office? File to run with the Montana Secretary of State.
All candidates should refer to the Commissioner of Political Practices for candidate financial reporting information and required forms to ensure their name appears on the ballot.
Candidates for office must affirm when filing that they meet (or will meet within constitutional and statutory deadlines) the qualifications prescribed by the Constitution and laws of the United States and the State of Montana.
Candidate Filing
School District Elections
- Filing dates: Dec. 11, 2025 through 5 p.m. Monday, Feb. 9, 2026
- Election date: May 5, 2026
- 2026 School District Candidate Filing List – click here to view candidate filings.
- School District boundary map – click here to verify residency requirements.
- Required forms are linked below.
- There are no fees required to file for these positions.
School District
School elections are nonpartisan. Party reference is not required. Please detail the position and term you are filing for on this form.
2026 Declaration of Intent and Oath of Candidacy for Trustee Candidates
Special District Elections
- Filing dates: Tuesday, Jan. 20 through 5 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 4
- Election date: Tuesday, May 5, 2026
- Click here to check residency requirements.
- Required forms are linked below.
- There may be fees required to file for these positions.
Special District
Special District elections are nonpartisan. Party reference is not required. Please detail the position and term you are filing for on this form.
Special District Declaration for Nomination and Oath of Candidacy
Federal Primary and General Elections
Presidential elections are combined with the congressional, statewide, state district, and county elections.
- Filing dates: Tuesday, Feb. 17 through 5 p.m. Wednesday, March 4
- Primary Election date: Tuesday, June 2
- General Election date: Tuesday, November 3
Declaration for Nomination and Oath of Candidacy
2026 Filing Fees
Per state law, MCA 13-10-202(2) , county office filing fees are calculated from the base annual salary of the elected official. Fees must be paid at the time of filing.
Payment is accepted by cash or check only. If you’re unable to pay the associated fees, please see the indigent candidate process .
Municipal Elections
There are no municipal elections in 2026.
Salaries and Filing Fees for Elected Officials (2026)
| Office | Base Salary | Filing Fee (0.5%) |
|---|---|---|
| County Attorney | $159,813.00 | $799.07 |
| Justices of the Peace | $87,826.62 | $439.13 |
| County Commissioner | $87,826.62 | $439.13 |
| Clerk & Recorder / Surveyor / Auditor | $87,826.62 | $439.13 |
| Sheriff / Coroner | $89,826.62 | $449.13 |
| Superintendent of Schools and County Assessor / County Treasurer | $87,826.62 | $439.13 |