Hundreds of ballots have been rejected so far in local elections in Gallatin County, where voters in Bozeman, Belgrade and West Yellowstone are set to decide on new leaders and ballot initiatives.

As of mid-last week, election officials had rejected 5.5% of ballots turned in, significantly higher than the typical rejection rate of 1%, according to Gallatin County Clerk and Recorder Eric Semerad.

Most rejected ballots are missing the voter's birth year on the back of the envelope, which is now required under state law. The election is by mail only, with no polling places open Tuesday.

Semerad said election officials contact people whose ballots are rejected to give them a chance to remedy the issue. They have until 5 p.m. Wednesday to do. Of the 418 ballots election officials had rejecte

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