Election Day voter registration open until 8 p.m. again after Montana judge blocks new law
The order keeps Election Day voter registration open until 8 p.m. while a lawsuit argues the new limit would burden Native American and young voters.
- District Judge Adam Larsen issued a preliminary injunction on Friday blocking Senate Bill 490, keeping Election Day voter registration open until 8 p.m. through the June 2 primary.
- Sponsored by Sen. Mike Cuffe, the measure sought to close same-day registration at noon, but Larsen concluded it would disproportionately burden Native Americans and young voters facing 'unique barriers' to casting ballots.
- More than 70,000 Montanans have used Election Day registration since its inception, a practice Larsen described as 'wildly popular' because many voters rely on it due to scheduling constraints.
- Regarding Senate Bill 276, Larsen declined to block the voter ID law, stating it created 'at most, a limited burden' on voters without sufficient evidence it would prevent voting.
- MFPE President Amanda Curtis praised the ruling as defending 'the fundamental right of every voice to be heard,' while Chase Scheuer, a spokesperson for Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen, said the office disagreed with the decision.
32 Articles
32 Articles
Associated Press News
Montana voters will be able to register to vote on Election Day, judge rules
A Montana judge has blocked the state from limiting voter registration on Election Day. The judge concluded in his ruling that a law enacted last year by the Republican-controlled Legislature disproportionately affects Native American and young voters.
Judge blocks Election Day voter registration changes
Late voter registration, allowing Montanans to sign up to vote so long as they’re in line before polls officially close, will continue at least through the June 2 primary election under a court order issued Monday. In Lewis and Clark District Court, Judge Adam Larsen blocked a law passed by the 2025 Legislature that would restrict voter registration hours on Election Day. In issuing a preliminary injunction, Larsen called Senate Bill 490 likely …
Helena Independent Record
Election Day voter registration open until 8 p.m. again after Montana judge blocks new law
The judge declined to block another law in effect for the June 2 primary, which requires a current photo ID to vote in-person.
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