Barriers to the Ballot

We’ve told you about the GOP’s efforts to fundamentally rewrite our election laws in the state, in order to tilt the balance of the electorate to favor their Party. This effort continued this week as the Senate gave approval to two bills towards this goal.

The first, which received final approval from the Senate today, would increase the identification requirements for Montanans when they vote. Currently, Montanans simply have to provide an official document that verifies their address in order to vote. However, under the GOP plan, Montanans would be required to provide further forms of I.D. in order to vote. This additional burden would likely hinder tribal members, seniors and college students from exercising their right to vote.

The second bill, which received initial approval from the Senate today would eliminate election day voter registration in the state. This method of registration and voting has provided thousands of Montanans with access to the ballot. It also provides a safety-net for voters in the state to ensure their vote is counted. Under the GOP plan, election day registration would be eliminated, and the last day to register would be the Friday before the election. This bill would make it harder for Montanans to vote. We all know, the government should be in the business of ensuring every eligible voter has their voice heard, not in the business of restricting access to the ballot.