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Montana hearing considers constitutional change to limit voting to U.S. citizens

2732630 · March 21, 2025
AI-Generated Content: All content on this page was generated by AI to highlight key points from the meeting. For complete details and context, we recommend watching the full video. so we can fix them.

Summary

Supporters told the House State Administration Committee that Senate Bill 185 would amend Article IV, Section 2 of the state constitution to replace “any citizen” with language that explicitly limits the franchise to U.S. citizens; proponents and several legislators discussed past incidents and legal context at a public hearing.

Sen. Theresa Manzella, sponsor of Senate Bill 185, told the House State Administration Committee she seeks a constitutional clarification to ensure “only” U.S. citizens may vote in state and local elections.

Manzella said the change would amend Article IV, Section 2 of the Montana Constitution and be placed on the ballot for voters to decide. "I bring for your consideration today Senate Bill 185, which is a very small but powerful change," she said, adding the change would make clear that "only a citizen of The United States" may vote in state and local elections.

Proponents told the committee the amendment is…

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