Montana Statutes § 13-4-207 Judges to remain at polls - emergency provisions - part-time serviceVersion dated Oct. 30, 2024

(1) Election judges may not leave the premises on which the polling place is located during the hours they are assigned to work unless permission to leave is given by the chief election judge for that precinct. Permission may be granted only for illness or a family emergency.

(2) A chief election judge must obtain the permission of the election administrator to leave the polling place premises because of illness or an emergency. If the chief judge is excused, the election administrator shall appoint one of the other judges to act as chief election judge.

(3) The time of departure and reason for leaving shall be entered near the oath form subscribed by the election judge or on a form provided by the election administrator. The chief election judge shall sign the entry.

(4) The election administrator may appoint a judge to replace an excused judge or one who fails to appear.

(5) The election administrator may assign a judge or chief election judge to work less than a full polling day, but at least three judges, including a chief election judge, must be on duty during the time that the polls are open.