Montana Voter Suppression Laws Challenge

A pro-voting lawsuit challenging two new Montana laws that reduce opportunities for Election Day registration and add more burdensome ID requirements. 

Background

The Montana Federation of Public Employees filed a lawsuit challenging several new restrictions on voting. Senate Bill 490 reduces the window to register and vote in one trip to the polls on Election Day from thirteen hours to just five hours. Senate Bill 276 eliminates the declaration form used by voters who could not provide an ID when casting a ballot, disenfranchising them, and requires voters to present a current and valid form of identification. Previously, voters could present any qualifying ID, regardless of whether it was current or valid. The plaintiffs claim both bills violate the state’s constitution and ask the court to block enforcement of the laws.

Why It Matters

For two decades, over 73,000 Montana voters have relied on a law allowing them to register and vote on Election Day. SB 276 also removes the declaration form that the state Supreme Court recognized as an important backup for voters who could not obtain an acceptable form of voter ID.

Latest Updates

• Aug. 24, 2026: Trial scheduled to begin.
• Oct. 2, 2025: The court granted the RNC and MTGOP’s motion to intervene as defendants.
• Aug. 22, 2025: The court granted Native American voters and Youth plaintiffs’ motions to intervene.
• July 25, 2025: RNC and MTGOP filed a motion to intervene.
• June 24, 2025: The ACLU of Montana filed a motion to intervene on behalf of Native American voters.
• May 12, 2025: The plaintiffs filed their complaint.