Suppressing Voting Rights in Montana

As in other red states where there is a Republican majority in the legislature, Montana is at risk of losing voting rights.  Suppression of the vote is a major Republican thrust throughout red states and Montana seems to be following suit.

Since 2005, Montanans have had the right to register to vote on election day.  Same-day registration boosts participation in elections.  It allows college students, who tend to move more frequently, to vote.  It eases unnecessary burdens for blacks, for Hispanics, and for young voters, particularly those from under-privileged backgrounds.

Current same-day registration laws in Montana are already restrictive.  They require that voter registration take place only at county election offices, not at polling sites.  To follow the law, voters must drive to two different locations to vote on Election Day.

In their last session, the state legislature determined to defeat same-day registration.  Other than the fact that affected populations tend to vote Democratic, there is no reason for removing this right.  There is almost no in-person voter fraud found in the state.  For what reason, other than suppressing votes, does the legislature want to remove this right?

Knowing that our Democratic Governor Bullock would veto it, the legislature has decided to take elimination of this right to voters.  It will be a referendum on the November ballot this year, #126.  My friend, Leila, reports that the actual ballot language is confusing, however.  "The wording is deliberately difficult in hopes that it will pass and people won't understand it," she tells me.  More information on this specific referendum will be forthcoming in early June when the Billings Chapter of the League of Women Voters will be discussing it (navigating the Montana Government website is all but impossible).

This referendum needs to be defeated.  (1)  It rescinds a right we currently have -- to register and vote the same day.  (2)  It makes voting more difficult.  Voting is a right for all citizens, no matter their situation.  Access to that right should be helped, not hindered.

How do we respond?  (1) Take every opportunity to notify/educate voters about this move of the Montana Legislature.  As soon as the specific language of the referendum is known, provide a clear explanation to voters, making sure they understand what a "yes"or "no" vote means.  (2)  Get out the vote.  Begin a campaign early on to encourage all voters to practice their right to vote.  Our legislators are our representatives; we must tell them what we want.

This is the beginning of an "Educate to Motivate" campaign in Montana.  Let's get started!

("Montana GOP looks to end same-day voter registration" by Zachary Roth)