Skip links

Proposed 2026 Ballot Issues

A citizen proposed ballot issue can only appear on the federal general election ballot once the proposed language has fulfilled three requirements. First, the language must be submitted to Montana’s Legislative Services Division. Second, the Montana Attorney General must conduct a legal review. Finally, after the review process is complete, and the sponsor has been notified by the Secretary of State of the approval or rejection of the ballot issue, the sponsor must collect sufficient verified signatures from qualified voters in Montana. Propose a ballot issue »

  • 2026 Ballot Issue Calendar (coming soon)

Initiative or referendum for the ballot – Signatures must be obtained from 5 percent of the total number of qualified voters in Montana (based on the number of votes cast for the office of governor in the last general election), including 5 percent of the voters in each of 34 legislative house districts.

Constitutional amendment by initiative – Signatures must be obtained from 10 percent of the total number of qualified voters in Montana (based on the number of votes cast for the office of governor in the last general election), including 10 percent of the voters in each of 40 legislative house districts.

CI-129 (Ballot Issue #1)
Subject: An act that amends the Montana Constitution to limit the annual increase in the valuation of a primary residence to 2% when assessing property taxes unless there are changes to the residence or a change of ownership.  Upon a change of ownership or a change to the residence, a primary residence is assessed at fair market value starting January 1 of the following year.  New primary residences are assessed at fair market value as of January 1 of the year following their construction.  Purchases or transfers of primary residences between spouses or between parents and children are not considered changes in ownership.  A person may have only one primary residence and must own and occupy that residence for at least 7 months of the year. 
Submission #1: 11/12/2024
Status: Petition has been approved for signature gathering as of 01/17/2025.
Submitter: Matthew Monforton

If you observe and have concerns about questionable signature gathering, you may file a complaint with the Secretary of State, who will forward each complaint to the appropriate county official.  See signature gathering information »

Note: The subject of a ballot issue may be paraphrased on this page. For ballot issues approved for signature gathering or qualified for the ballot, see the link for the statement that appears on the ballot.