MontanaSB 27669th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)Senate

Generally revise voter identification laws

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.

ID rules for voting by mail

If you vote by mail, you must include with your ballot either your Montana driver’s license number, Montana state ID number, or the last four digits of your Social Security number. Or include a readable copy of a military ID, tribal photo ID, U.S. passport, Montana concealed carry permit, or qualifying student photo ID. Or include any other readable photo ID with your name plus a current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, voter registration confirmation, government check, or other government document with your name and current address. If you are provisionally registered and do not include the required info, your info is invalid, or your name is not on the precinct register, your mail ballot is handled as a provisional ballot, which delays counting until verification.

ID required to vote in person

You must show a current, valid, and readable ID with your name before you get a ballot. Acceptable photo IDs include a Montana driver’s license, Montana state ID, military ID, tribal photo ID, U.S. passport, Montana concealed carry permit, or a student photo ID from the Montana university system or an NAIA school. Or show a current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, government check, or other government document with your name and current address plus a photo ID with your name. If your registration info differs from the precinct register, an election judge can verify you. If verified, you sign, update your registration, and vote a regular ballot.

Provisional ballots: cures and counting

You may cast a provisional ballot if you cannot show the required ID, your ID is insufficient, your name is not in the precinct register, your status cannot be resolved, you refuse to sign, or a disability prevents a signature, fingerprint, or authorized mark. You have until 5 p.m. the day after the election to provide valid ID or eligibility information in person, by fax, electronically, or by mail postmarked by the day after the election. Your ballot is counted if your information is verified by 5 p.m. the day after the election, or if your materials are postmarked by then and received and verified by 3 p.m. on the sixth day after the election. Provisional ballots not resolved by the end of election day are not counted until after 3 p.m. on the sixth day. The election administrator compares your affirmation signature to the one on file; if they do not match and you do not provide valid ID by 5 p.m. the day after the election, your ballot is rejected. If you cannot provide ID, you may present a current document with your name and address and sign a declaration of reasonable impediment (reasons include no transportation, missing documents, work schedule, lost or stolen ID, disability or illness, family duties, or an ID you applied for but did not receive). You are told why your provisional ballot was or was not counted.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Mike Cuffe
Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

Eric Tilleman
Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 204 • No: 93

Senate vote • 4/11/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 57 • No: 42

Senate vote • 4/10/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 58 • No: 41

Senate vote • 3/6/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 46 • No: 4

Senate vote • 3/5/2025