Montana's 2026 primary election is Tuesday, June 2, and Helena voters will head to the polls — or drop off their mail ballots — to decide which candidates from the state's three qualified political parties advance to the November 3 general election.

Primary elections in Montana follow a closed-primary model by party, meaning voters choose candidates from within a single party's field for offices ranging from the Legislature to statewide seats. The June 2 date gives Helena voters a firm deadline: ballots must be returned or postmarked by Election Day. Lewis and Clark County election officials have provided drop box and polling place information for those who haven't yet cast their ballot.

Montana Free Press has compiled a voter guide covering the offices and candidates appearing on the primary ballot statewide, which serves as a useful reference for Helena-area voters sorting through contested legislative races and any local judicial or school board contests that may appear alongside partisan primary contests.

If you haven't voted yet, Tuesday is the last day. Polls close at 8 p.m.