This bill proposes revisions to the election laws in Montana, specifically concerning the conditions under which recounts are conducted. It amends Sections 13-16-201 and 13-16-211 of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) to increase the margin of defeat that triggers a recount from 1/4% to 1/2% of the total votes cast. Additionally, the bill raises the minimum number of votes that can trigger a recount from 10 to 20 votes. These changes apply to various offices, including precinct, county, municipal, and district offices, as well as questions submitted to voters at different levels.

Furthermore, the bill stipulates that if a candidate is defeated by a margin exceeding 1/2% but not exceeding 1% of the total votes cast, they may file a petition for a recount within five days of the official canvass, provided they post a bond to cover the costs associated with the recount. The bill also includes provisions for petitions related to questions submitted to voters, requiring signatures from a specified number of electors depending on the jurisdiction. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage and approval.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 13-16-201, 13-16-211