A House committee passed a bill today that would create a ballot initiative that would limit who could deliver a voter's ballot to a polling place, election office or the post office.
Senate Bill 352 would create the "Montana Ballot Interference Prevention Act." The bill provides exceptions for family members, caregivers and acquaintances who are authorized to pick up ballots.
Republican Rep. Theresa Manzella supports the bill. She says voting is a fundamental right in our country that others don’t have.
“We need to protect the integrity of our elections and voting process in every way that we possibly can,” Manzella said.
Democratic Rep. Shane Morigeau opposes the bill. He says if Montanans are giving someone their ballots, they should already know and trust them.
“I think this bill — I just think it’s unnecessary,” Morigeau said. “I think it has the opposite effect — that it doesn’t protect the vulnerable,” Morigeau said.
The bill passed out of the committee on party lines and will now be in the full House for debate.