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Group Sues Butte-Silver Bow County After 4,500 Signatures for Data Center Initiative Rejected
406 People First says county officials gave petitioners the wrong filing deadline and plans legal action after submitting signatures on July 31.
- On Wednesday, District Court Judge Frank Joseph granted a temporary restraining order allowing Butte-Silver Bow to continue processing 4,500 signatures for a ballot initiative on data center construction.
- The lawsuit followed Clerk and Recorder Cindy Sherman's rejection of signatures after she cited a July 13 deadline, contradicting the previously communicated August 17 date that 406 People First had relied upon.
- Proponents argue the initiative ensures public input on data center projects. Realtor Denise Kelly, leading 406 People First, said the group believes voter approval should be required for new or expanded facilities.
- Butte-Silver Bow Chief Executive J.P. Gallagher stated he lacks authority over ballot initiatives, emphasizing his goal is to ensure compliance with Montana law and provide procedural clarity to residents.
- The situation mirrors a recent Yellowstone County case where officials halted a similar petition, which a judge ultimately upheld despite the county citing an incorrect deadline to petitioners.
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14 Articles
14 Articles
Montana Standard+3 Reposted by 3 other sources
Butte data center petitioners file suit over submission deadline; restraining order approved
Butte-Silver Bow County petitioners filed a lawsuit Wednesday after being notified their signatures for a ballot initiative were too late. Judge Frank Joseph approved a subsequent restraining order.
Coverage Details
Total News Sources14
Leaning Left0Leaning Right2Center11Last UpdatedBias Distribution85% Center
Bias Distribution
- 85% of the sources are Center
85% Center
C 85%
15%
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