Supreme Court declines arguments, leaves Montana’s disclosure laws intact

Date
Publication
Missoula Current
Expert

U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday declined to hear arguments in a challenge to Montana’s disclosure laws, drawing praise from those seeking more transparency in political campaigns and who funds the message behind them. The decision leaves standing an earlier decision by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals that affirmed the right of voters to know who is financing election advertising. “Declining to hear this case protects the ability of state lawmakers across the country to use disclosure laws as a tool to promote transparency in elections,” said Paul Smith, vice president of the Campaign Legal Center. “Many states and municipalities have laws that parallel Montana’s. Disclosure laws like Montana’s are critical because voters deserve to know who is spending money to influence their votes.”

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