Montana Student Residency Requirement Challenge
Montana Public Interest Research Group v. Jacobsen
A pro-voting lawsuit challenging a state law that imposes additional requirements that prevent students from registering to vote in the county where they live.
Background
The Montana Public Interest Group filed a lawsuit challenging House Bill 413 (HB 413) which requires students to declare their intention to remain in the county upon graduation before registering to vote from their college address. Prior to HB 413, anyone was eligible to register as long as they had the intention of making the county their home at the time of registration. The plaintiffs argue that the new law requires students to speculate where they plan to live years in advance — something that is not required of non-students in the state. The group claims that HB 412 violates Montana and the U.S. Constitutions and asks the court to block enforcement of the requirement.
Why It Matters
HB 412 will deprive thousands of students of the opportunity to politically participate in the community where they live, study, and pay taxes.
Latest Updates
- May 6, 2025: The plaintiff filed the complaint.