This joint resolution from the Montana Legislature requests an interim study to explore the possibility of moving the date of Montana's primary election, currently held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in June. The resolution highlights that in the 2024 presidential primary cycle, 42 states held their primaries before Montana, resulting in the major party nominees being decided prior to Montana's election. The resolution argues that an earlier primary date could increase attention on issues important to Montana voters and emphasizes the need to assess the implications of such a change on existing election procedures, deadlines, and local elections.

The study will be conducted by an appropriate interim committee designated by the Legislative Council and will involve consultations with various stakeholders, including county election administrators and local government leaders. The committee is tasked with evaluating potential conflicts with the decennial districting process, the impact on election administrators and voters, and identifying benefits and drawbacks of changing the primary date. The final results of the study, including recommendations for legislative changes, are to be reported to the 70th Legislature by September 15, 2026.