With the rancor that occurred nationally from the 2020 Presidential election, KGVO turned to Montana’s newly elected Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen for a recap of how the election went in Montana.
Montana Secretary of State Backs Changes to Same Day Registration
Montana s Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen (R-MT) is backing an end to same day voter registration and other important election integrity measures being discussed before the Montana Legislature this session. She also supports a proposed voter ID bill by State Sen. Mike Cuffe (R-Eureka).
Jacobsen joined us on the radio Thursday morning where she spoke in support of both House Bill 176 and Senate Bill 169. HB 176 would close late voter registration by noon on the day before the election, effectively ending same day voter registration. SB 169 would require voters to provide a valid photo ID in order to register, according to the Montana Free Press. Listen to the full conversation below.
Montana House committee hears bill to eliminate Election Day voter registration
By: Jonathon Ambarian
and last updated 2021-01-21 20:14:15-05
HELENA â Montana lawmakers heard testimony Thursday on a bill that would eliminate same-day voter registration.
The House State Administration Committee held a hearing on House Bill 176, sponsored by Rep. Sharon Greef, a Republican from Florence.
Currently, Montana residents can still register to vote at county election offices on the morning before Election Day and on Election Day. HB 176 would end the late registration period at 5 p.m. the preceding Friday.
Supporters said same-day registration puts too much burden on county election officials. They argued making this change would reduce the chance of mistakes and ensure people have confidence in the election system.