Dear John:

Yesterday, Governor Bullock issued a Stay at Home Order for the state of Montana.

This means you should stay at home, where possible. 

There are exceptions for going to the pharmacy, to grocery stores, to see a doctor, to recreate outdoors, and for other essential services. But, when you can, please stay at home to save lives.

There are also exceptions for workers and businesses deemed essential. 

If you have questions on if you are an essential employee, please ask your employer. If you are a business, please review the state and federal guidance on essential businesses in the Governor’s order at: covid19.mt.gov  

The Directive does not apply if your home situation is not safe. For full details, the Directive can be found at this link.

This week, Governor Bullock also issued a directive to give Montana counties the option of holding an all-mail ballot for the primary election. This means if you are registered to vote, and your county opts-in to mail voting, a ballot will be sent to your home. 

You can still vote in person, even if your county goes to mail ballots, and drop-off locations are available. Montanans can vote early throughout the entire 30 days and up to the June 2nd Primary by going to their county elections office.

The directive also includes protections for Indian County and support for satellite voting offices.

No one should have to choose between exposing themselves to COVID-19 and voting. This is an incredibly important decision to ensure there are no lines and crowds at polling locations and every Montanan has the opportunity to make their voice heard during the upcoming elections. 

The Governor did not make these decisions lightly. In consultation with public health officials and emergency experts, he determined these measures were needed to protect public health and the safety of all Montanans. We are all in this together, as one Montana community. 

Where you can, please follow the Stay at Home order and all social distancing measures to keep our friends, family, and neighbors safe. 

We all have the power to stop the spread of infection by practicing social distancing, washing our hands, not touching our faces, and being extra careful around members of our community who are over the age of 60 or have compromised immune systems. 

Thank you for your help protecting Montanans from the spread of COVID-19. Together, we will get through this while protecting Montanans and our economy from a serious crisis throughout the state.

Thanks again for your support during this challenging time. Together, we will overcome this and protect all Montanans. 

Sincerely,

-Raph Graybill