Bill > HB221

This bill changes Montana's election laws to require most municipal (city and town) elections to occur during even-numbered years instead of odd-numbered years, aligning them with other state and federal elections. Specifically, the bill amends existing statutes to mandate that municipal officer elections will now take place during the general election in even-numbered years, with a transition period to manage the shift. For municipal officers whose terms currently end in January 2026, there will be a special one-year election in 2025, and for those with terms ending in January 2028 or 2030, there will be special one-year elections in the preceding even-numbered years. The bill ensures that the transition does not disrupt existing legal rights or ongoing proceedings and becomes effective immediately upon passage. The primary goal appears to be standardizing election timing, potentially increasing voter participation by holding municipal elections concurrently with broader state and federal elections, and reducing the number of separate election dates that municipalities must manage.

Government Affairs

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC1733