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Montana committee hears proposal to narrow same‑day federal registration to noon, add Saturday hours
Summary
Lawmakers heard Senate Bill 490, which would keep same‑day registration but limit federal race registration to before noon on election day and require county offices to open the Saturday before; proponents said it reduces exhaustion and errors, opponents — including tribal and civil‑rights groups — warned it could disenfranchise voters and invite litigation.
The House State Administration Committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 490, a proposal to change late voter‑registration rules for federal elections so county election offices are open the Saturday before an election and federal registration closes at noon on election day. Sponsor Senator Mike Cuffe said the measure is intended to reduce fatigue and mistakes among election workers after long closing shifts.
"Madam chair, this is a great common sense solution to a continuing problem of voting polls workers having to work in the polls," Cuffe said in his opening remarks, describing instances where tabulation and administrative tasks stretched into the early morning hours.
Proponents included Austin James, representing the Secretary of State's elections office, who argued the bill expands opportunities for students, small‑business owners and Native voters who must travel long distances. "The…
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