Over 400 Butte Ballots Flagged for Rejection Due to Missing Birth Year Information

BUTTE — Election officials in Butte-Silver Bow are reporting that over 400 mail-in ballots have been initially rejected during the current election cycle. The primary cause of the flagged ballots is a missing or incorrect birth year on the return envelope, a requirement newly mandated by Montana state law. The change stems from House Bill 719, which went into effect during the 2025 municipal elections. . The law now requires all mail-in voters to provide their year of birth in addition to their signature on the ballot envelope to verify their identity. . While intended as a security measure, election administrators across the state have noted that the new requirement has led to a significant spike in rejection rates compared to previous years. Butte is not alone in this challenge. Other major Montana counties, including Yellowstone and Missoula, have reported hundreds of rejected ballots for the same reason. . Fortunately, a rejected ballot does not mean the vote is lost. Montana law requires election offices to contact affected voters by mail, phone, or email to "cure" their ballots. Voters who are notified of a discrepancy can resolve the issue by filling out a verification form or requesting a new ballot. Local officials urge residents to double-check their envelopes for both a signature and a birth year before mailing them to ensure their voices are heard. Residents can also track the status of their ballots through the Montana Secretary of State's online voter portal. Read Next: Five Arrested After Late-Night Brick-Throwing Rampage in Billings Heights