MontanaSB 49869th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)Senate

Revise election laws related to preparation procedures for primary elections

Sponsored By: Wendy McKamey (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Elections

Personalized for You

How does this bill affect your finances?

Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this bill means for your household, plus every other piece of legislation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.

Free to download

Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

New rules for primary ballot counting

At primary elections, election judges must match the number of party ballots and other ballots to the number of voters. Judges list each party’s candidates in separate tally books. Judges bundle voted ballots by party for return to the election administrator. Judges bundle unvoted ballots under state election rules. In counties that count ballots only by hand, judges separate and count each party’s ballots on their own. Any mismatches are handled under state counting procedures.

Primary election changes apply immediately

The act takes effect on passage and approval. The new primary election procedures apply right away. State and local election officials must follow them now.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Wendy McKamey
Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

Becky Edwards
Democrat • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 233 • No: 65

House vote • 4/11/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 83 • No: 17

House vote • 4/11/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 88 • No: 11

Senate vote • 3/6/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 32 • No: 18