Require ballot issue signers to be active registered voters
Impact
If enacted, HB 598 would significantly impact the process of gathering signatures for ballot initiatives statewide. By limiting signers to active electors, the bill is likely to reduce the pool of eligible participants, making it more challenging for some groups to assemble the necessary signatures for initiatives. This adjustment could affect the frequency and ease with which new ballot measures are proposed and could potentially disenfranchise groups that rely on broader participation for their initiatives.
Summary
House Bill 598 aims to amend the existing regulations regarding who can sign petitions for ballot initiatives in Montana. Specifically, the bill stipulates that only individuals classified as 'active electors'—defined in the Montana Code Annotated—are eligible to sign such petitions. This change is intended to ensure that all signatories are currently registered voters actively participating in the electoral process, thereby strengthening the integrity of petition signature collections. Additionally, the bill prohibits paying individuals based on the number of signatures they gather, aiming to eliminate potential abuses and incentivize genuine support for ballot measures.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding HB 598 appears to be mixed. Supporters advocate for the bill as a means to bolster electoral integrity, emphasizing the importance of having engaged citizens participate in the democratic process. They argue that this measure could diminish the chances of manipulation of signature-gathering efforts, ensuring that only individuals who are invested in the outcomes of the initiatives are signatories. Conversely, opponents express concerns that the bill may restrict voter participation and could disproportionately impact grassroots movements, which often rely on broad-based support to qualify initiatives for the ballot.
Contention
Notable points of contention include the practicality of enforcing such regulations and their implications for democratic participation. Critics point out that by limiting petition signers strictly to active voters, the bill may unintentionally marginalize certain groups, particularly younger voters or individuals in the process of re-registration. Opposition voices call for a more inclusive approach that recognizes varied forms of civic engagement beyond current voter status. The ban on compensating petition gatherers based on signatures collected is another area of debate, with some arguing that it could hamper fundraising efforts for initiatives that require substantial grassroots support.