This bill aims to enhance judicial transparency in elections by allowing candidates for judicial office to indicate their political party affiliation on their declaration for nomination and have that affiliation appear on the ballot. Specifically, it introduces new provisions that permit judicial candidates to announce their political party affiliations and endorsements. The bill amends several sections of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) to reflect these changes, including the requirement that if a judicial candidate indicates a political party affiliation, it must be displayed alongside their name on the ballot. If no affiliation is indicated, the candidate's name will appear with the designation "Undisclosed."

Additionally, the bill modifies existing laws regarding the arrangement and preparation of primary ballots, ensuring that the political party affiliation of judicial candidates is clearly presented. It also clarifies that candidates for nonpartisan offices may still have their party affiliation listed if they are running for judicial positions. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon passage and approval, signifying a significant shift towards greater political transparency in judicial elections in Montana.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 13-10-209, 13-10-602, 13-12-203, 13-14-112, 13-14-115
HB0295_1(1): 13-10-209, 13-10-602, 13-12-203, 13-14-112, 13-14-115
HB0295_1(2): 13-10-209, 13-10-602, 13-12-203, 13-14-112, 13-14-115
HB0295_1(3): 13-10-209, 13-10-602, 13-12-203, 13-14-112, 13-14-115
HB0295_1: 13-10-209, 13-10-602, 13-12-203, 13-14-112, 13-14-115