Senate Bill No. [insert bill number] amends sections 13-2-220 and 13-13-212 of the Montana Code Annotated to clarify voter list maintenance procedures specifically for voters with permanent address changes, distinguishing them from those with temporary address changes. The bill mandates that election administrators must compare registered electors against national change of address files and send confirmation notices only to those whose permanent addresses have changed. Additionally, it requires that if an elector does not respond to confirmation notices within 30 days, they will be moved to the inactive list until their address is verified.

The bill also stipulates that electors on the active list who have not filed a permanent change of address with the U.S. Postal Service will continue to receive absentee ballots for subsequent elections. It introduces a biennial process where election administrators must mail a forwardable address confirmation form to those listed as having changed their permanent address. This form will allow electors to confirm their desire to remain on the absentee ballot list, and if not returned, they will be removed from the list. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the accuracy of voter registration lists and streamline the absentee voting process.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 13-2-220, 13-13-212
SB0499_1(1): 13-2-220, 13-13-212
SB0499_1(2): 13-2-220, 13-13-212
SB0499_1(3): 13-2-220, 13-13-212
SB0499_1: 13-2-220, 13-13-212