Senate Bill 490 Alters Voter Registration in Montana: Expanded Saturday Hours but Cuts Monday Registration
MISSOULA, Mont. – Senate Bill 490, recently passed by the Montana House, proposes significant changes to voter registration practices ahead of federal elections. With a focus on expanded access, the bill aims to extend Saturday registration hours but eliminates Monday late registration, stirring mixed reactions among residents.
Currently, Montana election offices offer limited hours before elections, operating on business days with special hours on the Monday preceding the election. Under the new bill, voters will be required to register or update their status in person at local offices, such as the Missoula County Election Office, during weekday hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturdays before elections.
Critics, such as resident Leslie Anderson, raise concerns about accessibility for individuals living in remote areas who may struggle to travel for registration. “They need to be able to register where they vote, at the time they vote,” she stated.
Supporters like Gage Poore argue that expanding registration hours, particularly on Saturdays when many people are off work, could boost voter turnout. "We want to encourage people to vote; we should expand hours instead of limiting them," he emphasized.
Missoula County Elections Administrator Bradley Seaman noted that while Saturday hours will be enhanced, the change might face challenges during high-traffic events like Griz football games. Additionally, the bill proposes electronic signature verification, which necessitates an increase in election volunteers.
Officials aim to educate the public on these adjustments to reduce confusion. If passed, Senate Bill 490 represents a shift in Montana’s electoral landscape, emphasizing both accessibility and efficiency in voter registration ahead of critical federal elections.
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