On Sept. 11, 2020, Campaign Legal Center (CLC) filed a motion to intervene in Trump v. Bullock on behalf of its client, the League of Women Voters of Montana, to defend Montana Governor Steve Bullock’s August 6 directive allowing counties to conduct the general election primarily by mail at their discretion. CLC filed a similar motion in New Jersey.
The League was supportive of Montana’s directive as a measure to preserve voters’ safe access to the ballot during the ongoing pandemic, and it was challenged by the Trump campaign, Republican National Committee, and others. A hearing is scheduled for September 22.
The ability to conduct elections by mail proved critical during this year’s primary elections in Montana, and the counties should not be prohibited from doing so again this fall. Vote-by-mail is safe and secure, and the existing directive allows local officials to conduct their elections in a safe and secure manner that best fits their communities and benefits all Montana voters.
The governor’s August 6 directive mirrored his earlier directive allowing counties to conduct the state’s June 2 primary election by mail. As a result of that directive, all 56 Montana counties chose to conduct their elections by mail.
Montana counties should not be prevented from allowing their citizens to vote safely during the pandemic. CLC is committed to protecting voter access to the ballot.
