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HELENA, Mont. – Joining Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen, Governor Greg Gianforte signed Senate Bill 276 this week, implementing photo identification for voting in Montana.
“Montana serves as a model for the rest of the nation by conducting secure and transparent elections, and this new law will help preserve the integrity of our elections for the future,” Governor Gianforte said. “Thank you to Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen and Senator Mike Cuffe for their leadership in upholding Montana’s free and fair elections.”
“Photo identification for voting is common sense for the integrity of our Montana elections,” said Secretary Jacobsen. “This law elevates several forms of identification and provides Montana voters with a wide variety of photo ID options, ensuring every eligible Montanan can participate in our electoral process. Photo ID to vote is a commonsense, nonpartisan best practice that will facilitate smoother operations for election officials, enhancing the voting experience for Montanans casting their ballots.”
Sponsored by Senator Mike Cuffe, R-Eureka, Senate Bill 276 provides Montana voters with several photo identification options, including Montana driver’s licenses, U.S. passports, and military IDs. The bill also elevates tribal photo identification cards for Montana’s Native American voters.
Previously, voters could use non-photo ID options such as a piece of mail or filling out a form to vote.
“I have carried several bills improving election procedures and processes, but SB 276 may be the most important of my career,” said Senator Cuffe. “Upholding election integrity is fundamental to our democracy, and voter ID is essential for safeguarding elections in Montana.”
Montanans can find more about voter identification and other election information at VoteMT.gov.