Montana Secretary of State opposes mail-in ballot system, warns it could lead to “all-marijuana all-the-time”
HELENA, Mont. Montanas secretary of state and the chairman of the state Republican party oppose a mail-in ballot for an expected special election to replace U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke, saying that while it would save counties money it would give Democrats an advantage.
In an email to party members, GOP chairman and state Rep. Jeff Essman of Billings this week warned Republicans that Democrats have an inherent advantage in mail-only elections due to their ability to organize large numbers of unpaid college students and members of public employee unions to gather ballots by going door to door.
The email drew criticism suggesting it smacked of a Republican effort at voter suppression.
Senate Bill 305, sponsored by Republican Sen. Steve Fitzpatrick of Great Falls, would set a one-time exception to hold a mail-only ballot to fill Zinkes seat if the Republican is confirmed as Interior Secretary. The Senate State Administration Committee voted 6-2 Wednesday in support of the bill. It now goes to the full Senate for consideration.
The bill was requested by the Montana Association of Clerks and Recorders.
Fitzpatrick estimated counties would save a total of $500,000 by using mail ballots for the special election rather than having to secure polling sites and hire election judges on short notice.
This is an election that comes at an unusual time. I dont think people anticipate voting at this time. I think its very likely people may forget, Fitzpatrick said. I think that since we are electing our congressman, somebody who represents all of us, I think its important that we have as much of a chance as we can to get people out to vote as well.
Essman acknowledged his position would not be popular with fiscally conservative county commissioners.
They may be well intended, but this bill could be the death of our effort to make Montana a reliably Republican state, Essman wrote.
Corey Stapleton, the states chief election official, told Republican lawmakers that they were the protectors of the Republican form of ...
