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Bills would limit petition signatures to 'active' electors; opponents say change would conflict with constitution
Summary
HB597 and HB598 would restrict who can sign petitions to active electors (not 'inactive' voters); opponents, including the ACLU and tribal and youth organizations, argued the Montana Constitution defines a 'qualified elector' and that the bills could disenfranchise Native and young voters and invite litigation.
Representative Zach Worth opened hearings on HB597 and HB598, two related bills that would change which registered voters may sign initiative and referendum petitions by excluding electors placed on an "inactive" list or by requiring signers to be "active" electors.
Opponents, including SK Rossi of the ACLU of Montana and representatives of tribal communities and youth-engagement groups, said the Montana Constitution defines a "qualified elector" as an 18‑year‑old meeting registration and residency…
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