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Montana lawmakers propose bill to raise signature requirement for independent and minor-party candidates to access ballot


A bill gaining early support in the Montana Legislature would make it harder for independent and minor-party candidates to run for public office. House Bill 207 would double the number of signatures these candidates need to qualify for office and shorten the time they have to gather signatures by 50 days. The bill has sparked concerns among lawmakers that it is aimed at reducing competition in elections.

Supporters of the bill argue that it would not make things easier for independent and minor-party candidates, as it increases the signature requirements for running in legislative races to 10% of the total votes cast in the last general election. Additionally, the bill requires signatories to be active voters, which would disqualify voters who have not confirmed their registration.

Independent candidates have expressed opposition to the bill, with independent Gary Buchanan emphasizing the growth of independent voters in Montana. Buchanan, who ran as an independent for Congress in 2022, called the bill an attempt to keep Montanans off the ballot.

The bill has also faced criticism for its impact on election timelines, dramatically shortening the period for registering and gathering signatures as an independent candidate. As the bill moves forward in the legislative process, Montana’s independent and minor-party candidates continue to voice concerns about the potential hurdles it presents for their participation in the political process.

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