Back to SOS News & Media Center >>
HELENA, Mont. — For the second time this year, Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen has reported to Montana’s top federal prosecutor the names of voters registered in multiple states who allegedly cast ballots in both, which is an election crime. After receiving notice of suspected double voting, the Secretary of State’s Office referred the case to U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme.
“Every eligible vote is a precious right that should never be canceled by a counterfeit vote,” said Secretary Jacobsen.
In 2023, the Montana Legislature passed a law strengthening Montana’s election procedures to prevent voting in both Montana and in other states. The law was enjoined by an Obama-appointed federal court judge, making it more difficult for the state to guard against double voting. The Montana Constitution requires the prevention of abuses of the electoral system.
“Although the courts have attempted to restrict the ability to protect common-sense election laws, I remain committed that double voting in Montana will not be tolerated,” said Secretary Jacobsen.
Recently, Montana media published an article about close and tied races in the state. Clearly, a single illegal vote can undermine the voting power of all eligible voters in a local election. According to the Public Interest Legal Foundation (PILF), over the past 30 years, more than 1,200 elections have resulted in ties, while over 450 elections were decided by just one vote.