TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2026 | TRUTH IN FOCUS — Election Day morning edition (prepared the evening of November 2 for review). Here are ten documented updates and practical reminders. This is not a report of events that have already occurred Tuesday morning. Verify any overnight changes with the appropriate officials.
1. Know which election you are voting in
Montana’s state and federal general election is separate from the Northern Cheyenne Tribal Council election and a different tribal voting effort associated with Gene Small’s office. The authority, administrators and arrangements for the competing tribal processes remain disputed. A notice for one election should not be assumed to govern another.
Source: Truth in Focus, November 2.
2. Lame Deer Tribal Council polling site was listed as changed
The October 29 Council-associated notice moves that process’s Lame Deer polling place from the Little Wolf Capitol Building to the Wellness Center behind the Lube Center on Cheyenne Avenue. Confirm with the relevant election office in case there was a later revision.
Source: Revised October 29 polling notice.
3. Busby Tribal Council location also changed on the notice
For the same Council-associated process, the revised notice lists the Northern Cheyenne Tribal School cafeteria rather than the Busby Fire Hall. Ashland, Birney and Muddy remain listed at their community halls. The notice states 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. for this process, not the state’s general election.
Source: Truth in Focus’s detailed location update.
4. State election: verify your assigned polling place
Most Montana polling places operate from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., with limited exceptions for smaller locations. The Little Wolf Tribal Building at 600 Cheyenne Avenue appears in the Rosebud County state-election voter guide. Use the state voter portal or contact county officials to confirm your location before traveling.
Sources: Montana voter calendar; Rosebud County polling guide.
5. Montana absentee ballots must arrive, not merely be mailed
Completed state general-election absentee ballots must reach election officials by 8 p.m. tonight; a postmark is insufficient. Under a court order in effect for this election, qualified voters may register on Election Day through 8 p.m. at the appropriate county election office. State rules should not be applied automatically to tribal elections.
Source: ACLU of Montana 2026 voting information.
6. Early voting was substantial before Election Day
On Monday, the Daily Montanan reported that more than 300,000 ballots had already been cast statewide. Early participation numbers cannot tell us who won, and they should not be confused with verified precinct results.
Source: Daily Montanan, November 2.
7. The separate tribal presidential special-election schedule remains contested
Buffalo’s Fire reported that a Council-associated resolution set a November 24 primary and December 29 general election for a separate presidential vacancy process. Gene Small contests his removal; the report of a schedule does not independently settle the legal authority dispute or change today’s voting instructions.
Source: Buffalo’s Fire, October 20.
8. Employees facing adverse actions should check their own appeal rules
A publicly posted Northern Cheyenne Personnel Manual generally sets a seven-working-day filing period for certain written grievances. Other tribal entities may use different policies. Read your specific notice, retain copies and seek timely qualified advice rather than assuming one rule covers all situations.
Source: Truth in Focus policy explainer.
9. Heating assistance is available to eligible households
Montana’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program is accepting applications during the 2026–27 heating season. Eligibility depends on income, household circumstances and the applicable program rules. State and tribal offices can provide application details.
Source: Montana DPHHS energy assistance.
10. A brighter Election Day follows a cold, foggy start
The National Weather Service expects generally sunnier conditions Tuesday, with temperatures in the low to mid-50s in many eastern Montana communities. Fog is possible early, including along parts of U.S. Highway 212. See the community forecast below, and check Montana 511 for actual road conditions.
Follow the Money: All six reports are now available
Truth in Focus has published its six-part investigation based on the Northern Cheyenne Tribal Council’s March 2022 report, Montana business records, tribal rules and 2021 BIA correspondence. Parts 4–6 examine the 2021 pandemic-relief program, staffing and marketing costs, and federal audit and Range Program letters. The articles distinguish allegations from documented transactions, federal findings, and unresolved questions.
Part 4: Pandemic Business Relief | Part 5: Staffing and Marketing | Part 6: Audits and Range Program
Read the original source records in the Record Room.
Election morning weather (National Weather Service)
Tuesday, November 3: Ashland is forecast to have patchy early fog followed by sun, with a high near 53°F; nearby Lame Deer is forecast near 56°F after possible early fog. Monday night lows are around 25–29°F. Forecasts may change. Before traveling to vote, check Montana 511 for live road conditions and NWS Ashland or NWS Lame Deer for updated forecasts. These are forecasts, not verified road observations.
Weather: Monday night and Election Day
After Monday’s rain and northwest wind, temperatures are expected to fall to near or below freezing overnight. Patchy early-morning fog is possible in several communities, followed by generally sunnier, calmer weather Tuesday. These are forecasts, not observed conditions.
| Community | Monday night low | Tuesday high |
|---|---|---|
| Ashland | 25°F | 53°F |
| Lame Deer area | about 29°F | about 56°F |
| Colstrip | about 28°F | about 55°F |
| Forsyth | 28°F | 54°F |
| Miles City | 29°F | 50°F |
| Broadus | 29°F | 52°F |
Travel reminder: Fog, wet pavement and overnight cooling may affect early trips, especially on U.S. 212 and the Lame Deer Divide. We have not independently verified the condition of every route. Check the Montana 511 live road map before leaving.
Source: National Weather Service forecasts for Ashland, Lame Deer, Colstrip, Forsyth, Miles City and Broadus, checked November 2, 2026. Forecast details may change.
Newsroom commitment: Truth in Focus will label unofficial counts, link to original documents, correct errors and offer a fair opportunity to respond. Send dated notices or concerns through our official contact channels. We will not present an election rumor as a verified result.
Prepared November 2 for the morning of Tuesday, November 3. All times are local Mountain Standard Time unless otherwise specified. Recheck forecasts, notices and election information before publishing.
By Steven Bullcoming Haworth | Collaborator: Corry Bullcoming Haworth
Copyright © 2026 Steven Bullcoming Haworth & Corry Bullcoming. All rights reserved. A Bullcoming Enterprises publication. AI-assisted research and drafting; primary sources and human editorial review required before publication.