Montana - Protections for Elections Flyer

1865

Law Enacted

$250K

Max Fine

5 YRS

Prison

ZERO

Exceptions

The Federal Law

Since 1865, federal law has banned armed federal personnel at polling places. In 1909, Congress deliberately removed the only exception — there is no law enforcement justification for armed feds at the polls. Not for "keeping the peace." Not for preventing fraud. Nothing.

18 U.S.C. § 592 — TROOPS AT POLLS

Any federal employee who stations armed personnel at a polling place commits a felony and is permanently barred from federal service. The DOJ's own manual says FBI agents cannot be stationed at polls.

5 YEARS PRISON $250,000 FINE CAREER DEATH

Montana Legal Landscape

Home Rule

Under the 1972 Montana Constitution, Article XI, Section 6, self-governing municipalities may exercise "any power not...

Key Advantage

Montana's local government framework is uniquely favorable for municipal ordinance strategies within the Plains and Mountain West batch.

Key Risk

Under the 1972 Montana Constitution, Article XI, Section 6, self-governing municipalities may exercise "any power not prohibited by this constitution, law, or charter" — effecti...

Best Framing

Police resource allocation under local authority

Anti-Sanctuary Law

✓ No specific anti-sanctuary law identified. See state guide.

Target Cities in Montana

Missoula

See state guide

Missoula. Home of Ordinance 3618 precedent; University of Montana; str

Billings

See state guide

Billings. Largest city; self-governing charter

Great Falls

See state guide

Great Falls. Self-governing charter city

What You Can Do Right Now

Contact Call your city council member. Ask them to introduce a Protections for Elections ordinance.

Show Up Attend your next council meeting. 3 minutes of public comment changes priorities.

Connect Join a local organization already working on voting rights in Montana.

Share Give this to 3 people. Post it at your library, café, or community board.

Get Connected → Native American Voting Rights Or...University CommunitiesNonpartisan Election OfficialsCommissioner of Political Practices