MontanaSB 5769th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)Senate

Revise county canvassing processes

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Stronger county canvass and recount rules

The law strengthens county vote canvassing and recount rules, effective on passage and approval. Boards must hold a public canvass, open returns, and audit tally books or other vote records. They compare votes to the number of electors and to the number of people who voted, and record all write-ins. Boards cannot reject returns for nonessential certificate omissions. If votes for any race or issue exceed electors or voters in a precinct, or any error affects totals, the board must investigate at once and finish within 2 days. Boards may order a recount or inspect ballots to resolve issues, and any board-ordered recount must follow the state’s recount procedures.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Mike Cuffe
Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

Curtis Cochran
Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 291 • No: 4

House vote • 4/15/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 97 • No: 0

House vote • 4/14/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 100 • No: 0

Senate vote • 2/10/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 47 • No: 2

Senate vote • 2/7/2025