Montana’s state legislature moves to tighten restrictions on independent and minor-party candidates through House Bill 207. Approved early by House lawmakers, the bill proposes doubling the number of required signatures and reducing the signature-gathering period by 50 days. This legislative push has sparked debates on whether it unfairly targets political challengers.
During discussions in the House State Administration Committee, concerns were raised about limiting competition. Rep. Peter Strand, D-Bozeman, voiced apprehensions, while committee chair Rep. Julie Darling, R-Helena, humorously acknowledged the role of competition in politics. Despite opposition, the bill passed with an 11 to 8 vote, tightening the rules for independent and minor parties.
The proposed changes would require independent legislative candidates to gather signatures from 10% of voters who supported the winning candidate in the last election, up from the current 5%. For statewide and federal offices, the requirement remains at 5%, reduced from an earlier proposal of 15%.
Critics, such as Rep. Shelly Fyant, D-Arlee, argue Montana’s signature requirements are already among the nation’s highest. Fyant highlighted the added burden on candidates needing excess signatures to account for disqualified entries. The bill further mandates that only active voters can sign petitions, affecting those with unconfirmed registrations.
Independent candidates like Gary Buchanan, who garnered significant support in previous elections, criticize the legislation as a move to restrict ballot access. Buchanan argued that independents are gaining popularity, unlike traditional parties. He cited his 2022 congressional campaign, where volunteers collected 15,000 signatures.
Historically, Republicans have attempted to influence third-party participation in elections, while Democrats have contested Green Party candidates. The shortened timeframe for signature collection under HB 207 poses additional challenges, reducing early registration to 105 days before elections and late registration to 90 days.
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