Montana Chouteau County At-Large Election Method Challenge
Chippewa Cree Indians of the Rocky Boys Reservation et al v. Chouteau County, Montana et al
A pro-voting lawsuit brought by Native American voters challenging the county’s at-large method for electing commissioners.
Background
The Chippewa Cree Indians of the Rocky Boy’s Reservation filed a lawsuit in Montana challenging Chouteau County’s at-large method for electing commissioners. Plaintiffs assert their political power is diminished by a state law allowing county commissioners to be elected at-large — that is, by every voter in the county regardless of whether the voter will be represented by the official. Native American voters argue that this method violates Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, by reducing their ability to elect their candidate of choice. Plaintiffs seek a county commission redistricting plan to allow at least one majority Native American district.
Why It Matters
Allowing Chouteau County voters from other districts to vote in District 1’s county commissioner elections denies meaningful voice to Native American voters in electing their representative and aggravates historical disenfranchisement of Native Americans across the state.
Latest Updates
- Aug. 14, 2025: The Chippewa Cree Indians filed their complaint.