As the November election approaches, campaign workers are busy gathering signatures from Montana voters. These endorsements are crucial for a selection of ballot initiatives to qualify for the vote. Political organizers understand that signature collection is a challenging and specialized endeavor. In fact, some campaign firms focus exclusively on this task, especially in states like Montana where the requirements have recently changed.
Montana’s 2025 legislative changes now regulate how campaign-paid canvassers collect signatures. These alterations arose after initiatives to modify the state’s primary election system and enshrine abortion rights appeared on the 2024 ballot. Although the primary election initiatives failed, the abortion rights proposal succeeded significantly.
With canvassers appearing at key locations like grocery stores and farmers markets, what exactly are the new rules? The 2025 law mandates that paid signature gatherers must verbally disclose their name, residence state, and paid status. This requirement is part of House Bill 201, which also obliges canvassers to wear a badge displaying the same details.
Rep. Braxton Mitchell, who sponsored HB 201, emphasized the need for transparency, recalling an encounter with an out-of-state canvasser. “I just want transparency,” Mitchell said, stressing the importance of voter awareness regardless of political affiliation. Non-compliance with these rules could lead to collected signatures being invalidated.
Caitie Butler of Montanans for Nonpartisan Courts mentioned that while HB 201’s requirements are manageable, they create risks for disqualification. “It’s another hoop to jump through,” Butler noted. Signature gatherers must now be meticulous to avoid errors that could disqualify signatures.
Tim Harris from Landslide Political expressed concerns that the new rules may undermine trust in canvassers, especially when they disclose being paid. Harris argued this could distract voters from the initiative’s intent. The changes might also affect Montana college students who canvass despite residing out-of-state, possibly increasing reliance on volunteer efforts.
For ballot measures to qualify, campaigns must track signature requirements closely. The Montana secretary of state’s office dictates the needed percentages based on past gubernatorial votes. For instance, citizen initiatives require signatures from 5% of voters statewide and in 34 legislative districts.
Independent candidates must also gather signatures, albeit under less stringent conditions. They need 4% of the vote cast for successful candidates in previous elections. Key independent candidates for upcoming elections include Kimberly Persico and Seth Bodnar, each needing thousands of signatures to qualify.
For more details on authorized ballot issues, visit the Montana Secretary of State’s list.
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