A last-minute retirement, an open Senate seat, and an independent who won't pick a side.
Every statewide contest on your November 3, 2026 Montana ballot: Kurt Alme, independent Seth Bodnar, and Democrat Alani Bankhead for the open U.S. Senate seat, an open Montana Supreme Court seat, and all three citizen initiatives, in plain language and with nobody telling you how to vote.
- Both sides, no spin
- All three initiatives
- Sourced & cited
- Instant PDF download
The strongest case for each side
For the Senate race, the Supreme Court seat, and all three initiatives, the best honest argument each way. Equal space, no endorsement.
How the Senate seat opened
Steve Daines withdrew three minutes after Kurt Alme filed, minutes before the deadline, then endorsed him. We lay out what happened and what critics in both parties said.
Party politics and the courts
The open Supreme Court race and CI-132 both ask how much party politics belongs in Montana's courts. We cover both, side by side.
Sourced, not spun
Every factual claim is tied to reporting and official records, listed at the back.
What's inside
The open U.S. Senate seat, an open Supreme Court seat, and three initiatives.
U.S. Senate
Former U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme against independent Seth Bodnar, the former University of Montana president.
Alani Bankhead
The Democratic nominee polling at 16%, on a page of her own.
Supreme Court, Justice #4
Flathead County district judges Amy Eddy and Dan Wilson, for Justice Beth Baker's seat.
CI-132 & CI-133
Keeping judicial elections nonpartisan, and making the initiative process a fundamental right.
I-194
The Montana Plan: barring corporations and similar entities from spending on elections.
Get the full 2026 Montana Voter Guide
The Senate race, the Supreme Court seat, and all three initiatives. Instant PDF download.
Get the guide · $4.99What format is it?
A PDF you download the moment you buy. Read it on your phone or computer, or print it to take to the polls.
Is it partisan?
No. PolitiGeist is independent and makes no endorsement in any race or on any initiative. The point is the strongest case for both sides.
What does it cover?
The open U.S. Senate seat, the open Montana Supreme Court seat (Justice #4), and CI-132, CI-133 and I-194. No governor or other statewide executive office is up until 2028, and Public Service Commission races are by district. U.S. House, legislative, and local races aren't included.
Can I still register?
Regular registration closes October 5, but late registration continues at your county election office through 8 p.m. on Election Day under a court order. Check votemt.gov for any change.