HB176 closes late voter registration at noon the day before the election. Since 2005, Montana has had same day late registration and under the previous state law, an individual could register or change voter registration information prior to the close of the polls on election day.
The Montana State House of Representatives passed HB176 on March 30, 2021 by a vote of 65 to 35. We have assigned pluses to the ayes because same day registration is a threat to election integrity. Clerks and election officials need more time on election day to focus on the validity of their voter rolls. Same day registration opens the door for errors and illegitimate electors, which compromises the sacredness and integrity of our vote. This will reduce wait times at the polls for proven legal voters. The 15th amendment guarantees the “right of citizens of the United States to vote” and ending same day registration can help election officials verify who should and should not be voting in our elections.