The proposed bill seeks to enhance election procedures in Montana, particularly for Indian reservations, by requiring each federally recognized Indian tribe to establish at least one permanent satellite election office within their reservation boundaries. This office must offer services comparable to those at the main county election office, such as access to replacement ballots, in-person absentee voting, and late voter registration. Additionally, the bill mandates that precinct polling place notices include locations within Indian reservations and allows for the use of nontraditional addresses for voter registration and voting. Key amendments include provisions that a tribal photo identification card does not need to display a residential address or expiration date to be valid, and that tribal government buildings can serve as residential or mailing addresses for electors.

Moreover, the bill aims to improve ballot drop-off accessibility by requiring at least one place of deposit for every town more than 13 miles from a permanent satellite election office, with tribal governments empowered to select these locations. It also establishes guidelines for provisional ballots, ensuring that election administrators provide reasons for counting or rejecting them, while maintaining confidentiality. Provisional ballots can be counted if the voter's information is verified by a specified deadline. The legislation is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, and includes instructions for integrating these new provisions into existing law.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 13-2-110, 13-3-105, 13-13-114, 13-13-201, 13-15-107, 13-19-307
SB0220_1(1): 13-2-110, 13-3-105, 13-13-114, 13-13-201, 13-15-107, 13-19-307
SB0220_1(2): 13-2-110, 13-3-105, 13-13-114, 13-13-201, 13-15-107, 13-19-307
SB0220_1(3): 13-2-110, 13-3-105, 13-13-114, 13-13-201, 13-15-107, 13-19-307
SB0220_1: 13-2-110, 13-3-105, 13-13-114, 13-13-201, 13-15-107, 13-19-307