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As expected, Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte Monday signed a pair of bills that eliminate voter-registration on Election Day in Montana and tighten ID requirements for voting and voter-registration.
The first, SB 169, requires a photo ID to vote in an election. "Photo ID is already required for routine activities, like traveling on a plane or replacing a cell phone," Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen said. Republicans argue it will make elections more secure and accurate, but those against the idea say voter fraud was never a real issue in Montana. "We have no data that voter fraud is occurring under the current laws, and we ask that you not make them more complicated," Sam Forstag, with ACLU of Montana, said. The other bill, HB 176, ends same day voter registration and change...
Election lawyer and founder of the progressive advocacy group Democracy Docket, Marc Elias, announced hours later that a lawsuit had been filed on behalf of Montana Democrats. ADVERTISEMENT "This afternoon, Montana's Republican Governor signed two voter suppression bills into law. Tonight, on behalf of the @MTDems we sued," Elias tweeted. BREAKING: This afternoon, Montana’s Republican Governor signed two voter suppression bills into law. Tonight, on behalf of the @MTDems, we sued.https://t.co/BCGQ2kqcYO— Marc E. Elias (@marceelias) April 20, 2021 The lawsuit alleges the two new laws vio...
Montana Democrats sue after GOP governor signs into law two bills restricting voting access Montana Democrats are suing the state over two bills signed into law Monday that add new restrictions to voting in the Big Sky state. On Monday, Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte signed House Bill 176, which ends same-day voter registration, and Senate Bill 169, which revises the accepted IDs which can be used for voting — requiring some voters to present two forms of ID when casting a ballot. Both bills passed on near party line votes. “Montana has a long history of secure, transparent elections, set...
Montana Democratic Party challenges changes to voter ID laws April 20, 2021 GMT HELENA, Mont. (AP) — The Montana Democratic Party has asked a judge to overturn a law that ends Election Day voter registration and another that requires college students to provide other proof of residency besides a student ID to register and vote. In the lawsuit filed Monday against Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen, the party said the laws place an unconstitutional burden on the right to vote for students, Native Americans, the elderly, those with disabilities and others — without a valid reason. The comp...