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List of Montana ballot measures

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Montana state ballot measures
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This page provides a list of ballot measures that have appeared on the statewide ballot in Montana.

  • The list is comprehensive for state ballot measures since 1898.
  • Years before 1898 include a selection of measures; some years are comprehensive, while others are partial.


  • HBM Factbook
  • List of ballot measures by year
  • Types of ballot measures


Historical Ballot Measures (HBM) Factbooks

See also: Historical Ballot Measures (HBM) Factbooks

The inventory of statewide ballot measures is part of Ballotpedia's Historical Ballot Measure Factbooks, which document nearly 200 years of direct democracy in the United States. This ongoing research effort will provide an unparalleled resource for researchers, reporters, and voters on how ballot measures have evolved, the issues they've covered, and the role they have played in our civic life. Click here to access the state historical ballot measure factbooks.

List of ballot measures by year

Measures are listed in reverse-chronological order, with the most recent and upcoming elections appearing first. Tables include brief summaries, relevant topics, and the election results for each measure.

2030

See also: Montana 2030 ballot measures

November 5

TypeTitleSubjectDescriptionResult

ACCQ

Constitutional Convention QuestionState constitutional conventionsHold a state constitutional convention

2024

See also: Montana 2024 ballot measures

November 5

TypeTitleSubjectDescriptionResultYes VotesNo Votes

CICA

CI-126Primary election systemsEstablish top-four primaries for federal and state offices in Montana
Defeatedd

287,837 (49%)

300,664 (51%)

CICA

CI-127Runoff elections; Ranked-choice votingRequire an electoral system in which candidates for certain offices must win a majority of the vote, rather than a plurality, to win the election
Defeatedd

228,908 (40%)

348,805 (60%)

CICA

CI-128Constitutional rights; Abortion policyProvide for a state constitutional right to abortion before fetal viability

Approveda

345,070 (58%)

252,300 (42%)

2022

See also: Montana 2022 ballot measures

November 8

TypeTitleSubjectDescriptionResultYes VotesNo Votes

LRCA

C-48Constitutional rights; Law enforcement officers and departments; Criminal trialsRequire search warrant to access a person's electronic data

Approveda

365,091 (82%)

78,334 (18%)

LRSS

LR-131Abortion policyRequire medical care be provided to infants born alive and make not providing care a felony
Defeatedd

213,001 (47%)

235,904 (53%)

2020

See also: Montana 2020 ballot measures

November 3

TypeTitleSubjectDescriptionResultYes VotesNo Votes

LRCA

C-46Initiative and referendum processChange language in constitution to match existing initiated amendment distribution requirements in statute

Approveda

426,279 (77%)

128,295 (23%)

LRCA

C-47Initiative and referendum processChange language in constitution to match existing initiated statute and referendum distribution requirements in statute

Approveda

411,153 (75%)

140,300 (25%)

CICA

CI-118Marijuana lawsAuthorizes the legislature or a citizen initiative to set a legal age for marijuana purchase, use, and possession

Approveda

340,847 (58%)

248,442 (42%)

CISS

I-190Marijuana lawsLegalizes marijuana for individuals over the age of 21 and taxes the sale of non-medical marijuana at a rate of 20 percent

Approveda

341,037 (57%)

258,337 (43%)

LRSS

LR-130Firearms policyRemoves local governments' authority to regulate firearms, including regulation of concealed carry

Approveda

298,388 (51%)

287,129 (49%)

2018

See also: Montana 2018 ballot measures

November 6

TypeTitleSubjectDescriptionResultYes VotesNo Votes

CISS

I-185Tobacco laws; Tobacco and cigarette taxes; Public health insurance; Public assistance programsMontana I-185, the Extend Medicaid Expansion and Increase Tobacco Taxes Initiative (2018) is on the ballot in Montana as an initiated state statute on November 6, 2018.
Defeatedd

236,990 (47%)

264,087 (53%)

CISS

I-186Business regulations; Environment; Mineral resources
Defeatedd

220,266 (44%)

276,232 (56%)

LRSS

LR-128Property taxes; Higher education fundingThe Montana Property Tax for State University System Measure is on the ballot in Montana as a legislatively referred state statute on November 6, 2018.

Approveda

307,704 (63%)

181,171 (37%)

LRSS

LR-129Absentee and mail voting; Election administration and governanceThe Montana Ballot Collection Measure is on the ballot in Montana as a legislatively referred state statute on November 6, 2018.

Approveda

301,172 (63%)

178,324 (37%)

2016

See also: Montana 2016 ballot measures

November 8

TypeTitleSubjectResultYes VotesNo Votes

CICA

CI-116Crime victims' rights; Criminal trials

Overturned

325,934 (66%)

167,261 (34%)

CISS

I-177Hunting regulations
Defeatedd

CISS

I-181Bond issues
Defeatedd

CISS

I-182Marijuana laws

Approveda

291,334 (58%)

212,089 (42%)

2014

See also: Montana 2014 ballot measures

November 4

TypeTitleSubjectResultYes VotesNo Votes

LRCA

C-45State executive branch structure
Defeatedd

166,758 (48%)

177,615 (52%)

LRSS

LR-126Voter registration
Defeatedd

155,153 (43%)

206,584 (57%)

2012

See also: Montana 2012 ballot measures

November 6

TypeTitleSubjectResultYes VotesNo Votes

CISS

I-166Campaign finance

Approveda

343,549 (75%)

116,554 (25%)

LRSS

LR-120Abortion policy

Approveda

334,416 (71%)

139,598 (29%)

LRSS

LR-121Immigration policy

Approveda

378,563 (80%)

97,528 (20%)

LRSS

LR-122Federal government issues; Private health insurance; Public health insurance

Approveda

318,612 (67%)

155,536 (33%)

VR

Referendum 124Marijuana laws

Approveda

268,790 (57%)

200,730 (43%)

2010

See also: Montana 2010 ballot measures

November 2

TypeTitleSubjectResultYes VotesNo Votes

ACCQ

CC-2State constitutional conventions
Defeatedd

140,869 (41%)

198,664 (59%)

CICA

CI-105Taxes

Approveda

259,621 (73%)

97,891 (27%)

CISS

I-161Fees, licenses, and charges; Hunting regulations

Approveda

187,870 (54%)

161,201 (46%)

CISS

I-161Hunting regulations; Revenue allocation; Fees, licenses, and charges

Approveda

187,870 (54%)

161,201 (46%)

CISS

I-164Business regulations

Approveda

253,475 (72%)

99,749 (28%)

2008

See also: Montana 2008 ballot measures

November 4

TypeTitleSubjectDescriptionResultYes VotesNo Votes

LRCA

C-44State and local government budgets, spending, and finance
Defeatedd

118,178 (26%)

337,656 (74%)

CISS

Initiative 155Private health insurance; Public health insuranceEstablish a children's health insurance coverage plan for all uninsured children in the state

Approveda

329,289 (70%)

141,701 (30%)

LRSS

LR-118Taxes; Higher education funding

Approveda

264,158 (57%)

200,957 (43%)

2006

See also: Montana 2006 ballot measures

November 7

TypeTitleSubjectResultYes VotesNo Votes

LRCA

C-43State executive branch structure
Defeatedd

133,219 (36%)

237,367 (64%)

CISS

I-151Minimum wage laws

Approveda

285,535 (73%)

107,294 (27%)

CISS

I-153Administration of government

Approveda

288,098 (76%)

93,291 (24%)

2004

See also: Montana 2004 ballot measures

November 2

TypeTitleSubjectDescriptionResultYes VotesNo Votes

LRCA

C-40Environment

Approveda

323,929 (76%)

105,086 (24%)

LRCA

C-41Right to hunt and fish; Constitutional rightsProvide for a state constitutional right to harvest wild fish and game

Approveda

345,505 (81%)

83,185 (19%)

LRCA

C-42State legislative term limits
Defeatedd

136,931 (31%)

299,162 (69%)

CICA

CI-96LGBTQ issues; Family-related policyDefine marriage as between one man and a woman

Overturned

295,070 (67%)

148,263 (33%)

CISS

I-147Business regulations; Mineral resources
Defeatedd

185,974 (42%)

257,280 (58%)

CISS

I-148Marijuana laws

Approveda

276,042 (62%)

170,579 (38%)

CISS

I-149Tobacco laws; Taxes

Approveda

282,448 (63%)

163,626 (37%)

2002

See also: Montana 2002 ballot measures

November 5

TypeTitleSubjectResultYes VotesNo Votes

LRCA

C-36State and local government budgets, spending, and finance; Insurance policy
Defeatedd

122,822 (39%)

188,715 (61%)

LRCA

C-37Initiative and referendum process

Approveda

179,616 (57%)

134,538 (43%)

LRCA

C-38Initiative and referendum process

Approveda

178,946 (58%)

131,849 (42%)

LRCA

C-39State and local government budgets, spending, and finance
Defeatedd

108,450 (35%)

204,557 (65%)

CISS

I-145Administrative organization; Hydroelectric energy
Defeatedd

103,742 (32%)

221,999 (68%)

CISS

I-146Tobacco laws; Public health insurance

Approveda

209,638 (65%)

113,065 (35%)

VR

IR-117Utility policy; Energy market regulations
Defeatedd

116,370 (40%)

177,966 (60%)

2000

See also: Montana 2000 ballot measures

November 7

TypeTitleSubjectResultYes VotesNo Votes

LRCA

C-34State and local government budgets, spending, and finance

Approveda

197,399 (52%)

180,850 (48%)

LRCA

C-35Tobacco laws

Approveda

287,432 (73%)

103,979 (27%)

CISS

I-143Animal treatment laws; Business regulations

Approveda

204,282 (51%)

193,079 (49%)

LRSS

LR-115Taxes; Transportation

Approveda

228,737 (58%)

168,396 (42%)

LRSS

LR-116Taxes

Approveda

265,951 (68%)

126,274 (32%)

1998

See also: Montana 1998 ballot measures

November 3

TypeTitleSubjectResultYes VotesNo Votes

LRCA

C-33Criminal trials; Crime victims' rights; Criminal sentencing

Approveda

225,349 (71%)

90,349 (29%)

CICA

CI-75Taxes

Approveda

167,321 (51%)

159,499 (49%)

CISS

I-134Business regulations; Transportation

Approveda

172,081 (54%)

146,629 (46%)

CISS

I-136Hunting regulations
Defeatedd

141,425 (44%)

180,280 (56%)

CISS

I-137Mineral resources; Business regulations

Approveda

169,991 (52%)

155,034 (48%)

VR

IR-114Campaign finance

Approveda

161,476 (53%)

144,425 (47%)

LRSS

LR-113Taxes; Higher education funding

Approveda

199,871 (61%)

125,656 (39%)

1996

See also: Montana 1996 ballot measures

November 5

TypeTitleSubjectResultYes VotesNo Votes

LRCA

C-30Higher education funding; Administrative organization; Public education funding
Defeatedd

142,224 (37%)

242,146 (63%)

LRCA

C-31Insurance policy
Defeatedd

166,752 (44%)

214,120 (56%)

LRCA

C-32State legislative processes and sessions
Defeatedd

174,471 (47%)

196,618 (53%)

CISS

I-121Minimum wage laws
Defeatedd

175,769 (44%)

227,975 (56%)

CISS

I-122Environment; Water
Defeatedd

175,534 (43%)

230,283 (57%)

CISS

I-123Criminal trials

Approveda

200,682 (53%)

180,295 (47%)

CISS

I-125Campaign finance

Approveda

201,186 (52%)

183,114 (48%)

CISS

I-132Congressional term limits
Defeatedd

172,911 (45%)

207,508 (55%)

1994

See also: Montana 1994 ballot measures

November 8

TypeTitleSubjectResultYes VotesNo Votes

LRCA

C-25Public employee retirement funds

Approveda

243,855 (73%)

88,336 (27%)

LRCA

C-26State executive official measures

Approveda

237,236 (70%)

99,334 (30%)

LRCA

C-27Taxes

Approveda

175,618 (54%)

150,649 (46%)

LRCA

C-28Property; Taxes
Defeatedd

138,475 (41%)

196,277 (59%)

CICA

CI-66Taxes
Defeatedd

159,282 (47%)

181,938 (53%)

CICA

CI-67Revenue and spending limits; State legislative vote requirements; Tax and revenue administration; Fees, licenses, and charges
Defeatedd

167,225 (49%)

174,616 (51%)

CISS

I-118Campaign finance

Approveda

200,679 (61%)

129,983 (39%)

VR

IR-112Taxes
Defeatedd

83,813 (25%)

246,368 (75%)

1993

See also: Montana 1993 ballot measures

June 8

TypeTitleSubjectResultYes VotesNo Votes

LRSS

LR-111Taxes
Defeatedd

78,349 (26%)

228,587 (74%)

1992

See also: Montana 1992 ballot measures

November 3

TypeTitleSubjectResultYes VotesNo Votes

LRCA

C-22State judicial selection

Approveda

279,894 (74%)

96,313 (26%)

LRCA

C-23Property; Administration of government
Defeatedd

176,082 (46%)

205,485 (54%)

LRCA

C-24American Indian issues; Administration of government
Defeatedd

105,475 (27%)

282,172 (73%)

CICA

CI-63State and local government budgets, spending, and finance
Defeatedd

165,126 (43%)

219,403 (57%)

CICA

CI-64State legislative term limits; Congressional term limits; Executive official term limits

Approveda

264,174 (67%)

130,695 (33%)


June 2

TypeTitleSubjectResultYes VotesNo Votes

LRSS

LR-109Education; Taxes
Defeatedd

76,546 (36%)

133,841 (64%)

LRSS

LR-110State and local government budgets, spending, and finance

Approveda

132,820 (63%)

79,562 (37%)

1990

See also: Montana 1990 ballot measures

November 6

TypeTitleSubjectResultYes VotesNo Votes

LRCA

C-21Ballot measure process

Approveda

166,143 (56%)

129,477 (44%)

ACCQ

CC-1State constitutional conventions
Defeatedd

53,630 (18%)

245,009 (82%)

CICA

CI-55Taxes
Defeatedd

78,254 (25%)

232,807 (75%)

CISS

I-115Tobacco laws; Tobacco and cigarette taxes
Defeatedd

130,707 (41%)

188,732 (59%)

1988

See also: Montana 1988 ballot measures

November 8

TypeTitleSubjectResultYes VotesNo Votes

LRCA

C-17State and local government budgets, spending, and finance
Defeatedd

122,854 (36%)

217,536 (64%)

LRCA

C-18State legislative authority; Public assistance programs

Approveda

182,037 (52%)

165,056 (48%)

LRCA

C-19State legislative authority; State judicial selection

Approveda

224,937 (66%)

116,500 (34%)

LRCA

C-20State legislative processes and sessions
Defeatedd

169,491 (49%)

178,855 (51%)

CISS

I-110Vehicle and driver regulations
Defeatedd

155,481 (42%)

211,090 (58%)

CISS

I-113Environment; Business regulations
Defeatedd

78,509 (21%)

287,461 (79%)

LRSS

LR-106Public education funding; Taxes

Approveda

227,638 (64%)

127,259 (36%)

1986

See also: Montana 1986 ballot measures

November 4

TypeTitleSubjectResultYes VotesNo Votes

LRCA

C-15Alcohol laws

Approveda

207,233 (66%)

106,611 (34%)

LRCA

C-16Salaries of government officials

Approveda

172,517 (60%)

116,143 (40%)

CICA

CI-27Property; Taxes
Defeatedd

140,090 (44%)

177,016 (56%)

CICA

CI-30State legislative authority; State legislative vote requirements

Approveda

175,502 (56%)

136,653 (44%)

CISS

I-104Business regulations; Food policy
Defeatedd

153,293 (49%)

160,835 (51%)

CISS

I-105Taxes; Property

Approveda

166,694 (55%)

136,904 (45%)

LRSS

LR-100Gambling policy

Approveda

216,706 (69%)

97,459 (31%)

1984

See also: Montana 1984 ballot measures

November 6

TypeTitleSubjectResultYes VotesNo Votes

LRCA

C-13State judiciary oversight

Approveda

287,926 (81%)

68,251 (19%)

LRCA

C-14Redistricting policy

Approveda

214,956 (66%)

109,813 (34%)

CISS

I-96Business regulations; Administrative organization; Agriculture policy; Food policy
Defeatedd

145,342 (40%)

222,200 (60%)

CISS

I-97Healthcare; Business regulations

Approveda

194,285 (53%)

171,448 (47%)

1982

See also: Montana 1982 ballot measures

November 2

TypeTitleSubjectResultYes VotesNo Votes

LRCA

C-10State and local government budgets, spending, and finance
Defeatedd

128,607 (46%)

153,264 (54%)

LRCA

C-11State legislative processes and sessions
Defeatedd

118,980 (41%)

171,196 (59%)

LRCA

C-12State legislative processes and sessions; State executive official measures; State legislative vote requirements

Approveda

147,463 (53%)

131,560 (47%)

CISS

I-91Nuclear weapons and missiles policy

Approveda

168,594 (57%)

125,092 (43%)

CISS

I-92Gambling policy
Defeatedd

115,297 (38%)

191,334 (62%)

CISS

I-94Alcohol laws; Business regulations
Defeatedd

168,594 (57%)

125,092 (43%)

CISS

I-95State and local government budgets, spending, and finance

Approveda

207,629 (71%)

84,875 (29%)

LRSS

LR-89Nuclear energy; Mineral resources
Defeatedd

70,375 (24%)

222,210 (76%)

1980

See also: Montana 1980 ballot measures

November 4

TypeTitleSubjectResultYes VotesNo Votes

LRCA

C-9State judiciary oversight

Approveda

181,140 (58%)

129,394 (42%)

CISS

I-84Nuclear energy; Environment

Approveda

172,909 (50%)

172,493 (50%)

CISS

I-85Ethics rules and commissions; Open meetings and public information

Approveda

259,698 (77%)

76,358 (23%)

CISS

I-86Taxes

Approveda

233,497 (69%)

102,635 (31%)

CISS

I-87Business regulations; Pollution, waste, and recycling policy
Defeatedd

100,761 (29%)

248,928 (71%)

1978

See also: Montana 1978 ballot measures

November 7

TypeTitleSubjectResultYes VotesNo Votes

LRCA

C-4Alcohol laws

Approveda

208,227 (76%)

64,663 (24%)

LRCA

C-5State and local government budgets, spending, and finance; State legislatures measures
Defeatedd

106,209 (42%)

145,549 (58%)

LRCA

C-6County and municipal governance

Approveda

165,668 (67%)

82,489 (33%)

LRCA

C-7State legislative authority
Defeatedd

122,017 (50%)

123,438 (50%)

LRCA

C-8State legislatures measures
Defeatedd

88,397 (34%)

170,666 (66%)

CICA

CI-8Taxes
Defeatedd

117,760 (47%)

134,462 (53%)

CISS

I-79County and municipal governance; Sexual content regulations

Approveda

139,763 (53%)

125,475 (47%)

CISS

I-80Nuclear energy

Approveda

177,778 (65%)

95,179 (35%)

CISS

I-81Business regulations; Alcohol laws

Approveda

169,069 (60%)

112,195 (40%)

LRSS

LR-74Alcohol laws

Approveda

207,476 (76%)

65,196 (24%)

LRSS

LR-75Higher education funding; Taxes

Approveda

181,920 (67%)

88,641 (33%)

1976

See also: Montana 1976 ballot measures

November 2

TypeTitleSubjectResultYes VotesNo Votes

LRCA

C-3State and local government budgets, spending, and finance

Approveda

178,773 (63%)

103,001 (37%)

CICA

CI-7State and local government budgets, spending, and finance
Defeatedd

86,191 (31%)

194,734 (69%)

CISS

I-71Nuclear energy; State legislative authority
Defeatedd

120,557 (41%)

175,925 (59%)

CISS

I-72Taxes; Property

Approveda

204,532 (71%)

83,611 (29%)

CISS

I-73Recall process

Approveda

155,899 (57%)

115,702 (43%)

LRSS

R-70Taxes
Defeatedd

109,792 (38%)

176,568 (62%)

1974

See also: Montana 1974 ballot measures

November 5

TypeTitleSubjectResultYes VotesNo Votes

LRCA

C-1State and local government budgets, spending, and finance

Approveda

121,077 (61%)

76,252 (39%)

LRCA

C-2Tort law; Administration of government

Approveda

108,704 (55%)

87,626 (45%)

CICA

CI-1State legislative processes and sessions

Approveda

110,587 (51%)

104,581 (49%)

1972

See also: Montana 1972 ballot measures

November 7

TypeTitleSubjectDescriptionResultYes VotesNo Votes

LRCA

Amendment 1Voting age policy

Approveda

116,415 (51%)

113,883 (49%)


June 6

TypeTitleSubjectDescriptionResultYes VotesNo Votes

CCRCA

Constitution of 1972 Ratification QuestionState constitution ratificationRatify the Montana Constitution of 1972

Approveda

116,415 (51%)

113,883 (49%)

1971

See also: Montana 1971 ballot measures

November 2

TypeTitleSubjectResultYes VotesNo Votes

LRSS

R-68Taxes
Defeatedd

66,967 (30%)

154,680 (70%)

1970

See also: Montana 1970 ballot measures

November 3

TypeTitleSubjectResultYes VotesNo Votes

LRCA

Amendment 1State executive official measures; State legislative authority

Approveda

130,377 (66%)

67,560 (34%)

LRCA

Amendment 2State executive official measures

Approveda

138,119 (66%)

71,643 (34%)

LRCA

Amendment 3Voting age policy

Approveda

109,227 (52%)

102,110 (48%)

R-67State constitutional conventions

Approveda

133,482 (65%)

72,643 (35%)

1968

See also: Montana 1968 ballot measures

November 5

TypeTitleSubjectResultYes VotesNo Votes

LRCA

Amendment 1Salaries of government officials
Defeatedd

87,027 (39%)

137,587 (61%)

LRCA

Amendment 2State legislative processes and sessions
Defeatedd

92,093 (41%)

132,153 (59%)

LRCA

Amendment 3Administration of government
Defeatedd

105,918 (50%)

107,471 (50%)

CISS

I-66Taxes
Defeatedd

70,497 (31%)

158,191 (69%)

LRSS

R-65Higher education funding; Taxes

Approveda

127,625 (59%)

89,396 (41%)

1966

See also: Montana 1966 ballot measures

November 8

TypeTitleSubjectResultYes VotesNo Votes

LRCA

Amendment 1Government continuity policy

Approveda

127,976 (69%)

57,585 (31%)

LRCA

Amendment 2State legislative elections; Redistricting policy

Approveda

96,246 (53%)

85,248 (47%)

LRSS

LR-64Tobacco laws; Tobacco and cigarette taxes

Approveda

107,208 (54%)

92,619 (46%)

1964

See also: Montana 1964 ballot measures

November 3

TypeTitleSubjectResultYes VotesNo Votes

LRCA

Amendment 1Salaries of government officials

Approveda

119,229 (64%)

65,679 (36%)

1962

See also: Montana 1962 ballot measures

November 6

TypeTitleSubjectResultYes VotesNo Votes

LRCA

Amendment 1Local official term limits

Approveda

106,681 (61%)

68,394 (39%)

LRCA

Amendment 2State judiciary structure; State legislative authority
Defeatedd

80,018 (50%)

81,191 (50%)

1960

See also: Montana 1960 ballot measures

November 8

TypeTitleSubjectResultYes VotesNo Votes

LRSS

R-62Bond issues; Prison and jail funding
Defeatedd

78,291 (39%)

120,749 (61%)

1958

See also: Montana 1958 ballot measures

November 4

TypeTitleSubjectResultYes VotesNo Votes

LRCA

Amendment 1State and local government budgets, spending, and finance; Education

Approveda

100,927 (59%)

69,638 (41%)

VR

IR-59Taxes; Alcohol laws

Approveda

100,383 (54%)

85,742 (46%)

LRSS

R-61Higher education funding; Taxes

Approveda

89,251 (52%)

84,002 (48%)

1956

See also: Montana 1956 ballot measures

November 6

TypeTitleSubjectResultYes VotesNo Votes

LRCA

Amendment 1Transportation; Taxes

Approveda

160,543 (77%)

47,615 (23%)

1954

See also: Montana 1954 ballot measures

November 2

TypeTitleSubjectResultYes VotesNo Votes

LRCA

Amendment 1Administration of government

Approveda

97,875 (66%)

50,167 (34%)

LRSS

R-56Elections and campaigns

Approveda

99,337 (69%)

44,884 (31%)

LRSS

R-57Healthcare facility funding; Bond issues

Approveda

143,587 (87%)

20,759 (13%)

LRSS

R-58Bond issues; Education

Approveda

131,400 (83%)

25,982 (17%)

1952

See also: Montana 1952 ballot measures

November 4

TypeTitleSubjectResultYes VotesNo Votes

LRCA

Amendment 1State legislative authority; County and municipal governance; Elections and campaigns
Defeatedd

88,604 (47%)

100,200 (53%)

CISS

I-55Transportation; Taxes
Defeatedd

76,627 (43%)

102,455 (57%)

1950

See also: Montana 1950 ballot measures

November 7

TypeTitleSubjectResultYes VotesNo Votes

LRCA

Amendment 1Administration of government

Approveda

77,644 (51%)

75,641 (49%)

LRCA

Amendment 2County and municipal governance; State and local government budgets, spending, and finance
Defeatedd

71,648 (47%)

81,135 (53%)

LRCA

Amendment 3State and local government budgets, spending, and finance; County and municipal governance

Approveda

85,300 (56%)

67,491 (44%)

CISS

I-54Veterans policy

Approveda

108,251 (59%)

75,411 (41%)

LRSS

R-53Gambling policy
Defeatedd

55,348 (28%)

140,309 (72%)

1948

See also: Montana 1948 ballot measures

November 2

TypeTitleSubjectResultYes VotesNo Votes

LRCA

Amendment 1Taxes

Approveda

93,461 (70%)

39,248 (30%)

LRSS

R-51Taxes; Higher education funding

Approveda

77,820 (61%)

50,167 (39%)

LRSS

R-52Bond issues; Higher education funding

Approveda

75,601 (60%)

49,621 (40%)

1946

See also: Montana 1946 ballot measures

November 5

TypeTitleSubjectResultYes VotesNo Votes

LRSS

R-50Healthcare facility funding; Bond issues

Approveda

90,360 (82%)

19,268 (18%)

1945

See also: Montana 1945 ballot measures

June 5

TypeTitleSubjectResultYes VotesNo Votes

LRSS

R-49State and local government budgets, spending, and finance; Transportation

Approveda

38,756 (82%)

8,326 (18%)

1944

See also: Montana 1944 ballot measures

November 7

TypeTitleSubjectResultYes VotesNo Votes

LRCA

Amendment 1State and local government budgets, spending, and finance; Education
Defeatedd

53,089 (38%)

86,270 (62%)

LRCA

Amendment 2County and municipal governance
Defeatedd

68,898 (48%)

76,057 (52%)

CISS

I-48Business regulations; Complementary and alternative healthcare
Defeatedd

72,206 (40%)

108,882 (60%)

1942

See also: Montana 1942 ballot measures

November 3

TypeTitleSubjectResultYes VotesNo Votes

LRCA

Amendment 1Public education governance; Administrative organization
Defeatedd

38,543 (42%)

52,317 (58%)

LRCA

Amendment 2County and municipal governance
Defeatedd

37,321 (42%)

52,121 (58%)

LRSS

R-45Bond issues; Higher education funding
Defeatedd

28,664 (34%)

56,509 (66%)

LRSS

R-46Bond issues; Higher education funding
Defeatedd

25,027 (30%)

58,921 (70%)

1940

See also: Montana 1940 ballot measures

November 5

TypeTitleSubjectResultYes VotesNo Votes

CISS

I-44Higher education funding; Bond issues
Defeatedd

51,921 (48%)

57,197 (52%)

LRSS

R-42Taxes; Higher education funding

Approveda

58,968 (53%)

52,998 (47%)

LRSS

R-43Bond issues; Healthcare facility funding

Approveda

75,824 (66%)

38,249 (34%)

1938

See also: Montana 1938 ballot measures

November 8

TypeTitleSubjectResultYes VotesNo Votes

LRCA

Amendment 1County and municipal governance

Approveda

71,908 (61%)

46,543 (39%)

LRCA

Amendment 2State and local government budgets, spending, and finance; Education

Approveda

103,071 (67%)

50,135 (33%)

CISS

I-41Transportation; State and local government budgets, spending, and finance

Approveda

126,247 (80%)

32,134 (20%)

VR

IR-40Alcohol laws; Business regulations

Approveda

113,332 (62%)

68,685 (38%)

1936

See also: Montana 1936 ballot measures

November 3

TypeTitleSubjectResultYes VotesNo Votes

LRCA

Amendment 1County and municipal governance

Approveda

78,893 (57%)

59,337 (43%)

LRCA

Amendment 2Working hours regulations

Approveda

105,407 (51%)

101,438 (49%)

VR

IR-36Family-related policy
Defeatedd

54,368 (36%)

96,647 (64%)

VR

IR-37Insurance policy
Defeatedd

67,067 (44%)

84,245 (56%)

1934

See also: Montana 1934 ballot measures

November 6

TypeTitleSubjectResultYes VotesNo Votes

LRCA

Amendment 1County and municipal governance

Approveda

60,828 (66%)

31,799 (34%)

LRCA

Amendment 2Taxes

Approveda

106,010 (64%)

60,912 (36%)

1932

See also: Montana 1932 ballot measures

November 8

TypeTitleSubjectResultYes VotesNo Votes

LRCA

Amendment 1Elections and campaigns

Approveda

124,708 (72%)

47,694 (28%)

LRCA

Amendment 2State legislative processes and sessions

Approveda

74,393 (76%)

24,124 (24%)

1931

See also: Montana 1931 ballot measures

May 5

TypeTitleSubjectResultYes VotesNo Votes

LRSS

R-35Transportation; Bond issues

Approveda

60,075 (74%)

21,256 (26%)

1930

See also: Montana 1930 ballot measures

November 4

TypeTitleSubjectResultYes VotesNo Votes

LRSS

R-33Public education funding; Bond issues

Approveda

77,761 (57%)

58,312 (43%)

LRSS

R-34Agriculture policy; Taxes

Approveda

70,548 (54%)

61,207 (46%)

1928

See also: Montana 1928 ballot measures

November 6

TypeTitleSubjectResultYes VotesNo Votes

LRCA

Amendment 1County and municipal governance; Elections and campaigns

Approveda

97,752 (60%)

64,079 (40%)

CISS

I-32Alcohol laws
Defeatedd

68,431 (46%)

80,619 (54%)

1926

See also: Montana 1926 ballot measures

November 2

TypeTitleSubjectResultYes VotesNo Votes

LRCA

Amendment 1Storm infrastructure; Taxes; Insurance policy; Agriculture policy
Defeatedd

54,387 (45%)

67,700 (55%)

CISS

I-30Alcohol laws

Approveda

83,231 (53%)

72,982 (47%)

CISS

I-31Transportation; Taxes

Approveda

114,763 (73%)

42,232 (27%)

VR

R-29Taxes; Public education funding
Defeatedd

53,143 (38%)

86,897 (62%)

1924

See also: Montana 1924 ballot measures

November 4

TypeTitleSubjectResultYes VotesNo Votes

LRCA

Amendment 1County and municipal governance; Public education governance

Approveda

81,814 (65%)

44,920 (35%)

LRCA

Amendment 2State and local government budgets, spending, and finance

Approveda

73,574 (60%)

49,267 (40%)

LRCA

Amendment 3Veterans policy
Defeatedd

66,245 (49%)

67,814 (51%)

CISS

I-28Mineral resources; Taxes; Workers' compensation laws

Approveda

87,790 (57%)

65,742 (43%)

LRSS

R-27Elections and campaigns

Approveda

77,948 (58%)

57,540 (42%)

1922

See also: Montana 1922 ballot measures

November 7

TypeTitleSubjectResultYes VotesNo Votes

LRCA

Amendment 1Taxes

Approveda

65,279 (55%)

52,536 (45%)

LRCA

Amendment 2Local government organization

Approveda

67,249 (57%)

50,178 (43%)

CISS

I-26Gambling policy
Defeatedd

60,057 (48%)

66,363 (52%)

VR

R-25Veterans policy

Approveda

67,463 (52%)

62,100 (48%)

1920

See also: Montana 1920 ballot measures

November 2

TypeTitleSubjectResultYes VotesNo Votes

LRCA

Amendment 1Administration of government
Defeatedd

51,072 (41%)

72,870 (59%)

LRCA

Amendment 2Education; State and local government budgets, spending, and finance

Approveda

77,093 (59%)

54,184 (41%)

LRCA

Amendment 3Taxes
Defeatedd

58,571 (45%)

72,161 (55%)

CISS

I-18Taxes; Higher education funding

Approveda

82,669 (54%)

71,169 (46%)

CISS

I-19Bond issues; Public education funding

Approveda

90,441 (58%)

66,237 (42%)

CISS

I-20Bond issues; Property
Defeatedd

68,785 (47%)

76,949 (53%)

VR

IR-13Elections and campaigns
Defeatedd

60,483 (44%)

77,549 (56%)

VR

IR-15Elections and campaigns
Defeatedd

66,131 (47%)

74,079 (53%)

VR

IR-16Elections and campaigns
Defeatedd

60,793 (43%)

80,023 (57%)

LRSS

R-14Athletics and sports

Approveda

82,827 (56%)

65,928 (44%)

VR

R-23Transportation; Bond issues
Defeatedd

55,276 (38%)

89,828 (62%)

1918

See also: Montana 1918 ballot measures

November 5

TypeTitleSubjectResultYes VotesNo Votes

LRCA

Amendment 1Taxes

Approveda

55,296 (64%)

30,614 (36%)

LRSS

I-12Complementary and alternative healthcare

Approveda

46,302 (54%)

39,320 (46%)

VR

Referendum 1Bond issues; Agriculture policy

Approveda

54,215 (65%)

29,630 (35%)

1916

See also: Montana 1916 ballot measures

November 7

TypeTitleSubjectResultYes VotesNo Votes

LRCA

Amendment 1Taxes

Approveda

74,257 (55%)

60,839 (45%)

LRCA

Amendment 2Taxes
Defeatedd

48,656 (37%)

83,198 (63%)

BI

I-11Athletics and sports
Defeatedd

72,162 (49%)

76,510 (51%)

LRSS

R-10Alcohol laws

Approveda

102,776 (58%)

73,890 (42%)

LRSS

Referendum 1Prison work regulations; Bond issues; Prison and jail funding
Defeatedd

68,059 (46%)

79,158 (54%)

1914

See also: Montana 1914 ballot measures

November 3

TypeTitleSubjectDescriptionResultYes VotesNo Votes

CISS

Initiative No. 7, Workmen's Compensation InitiativeWorkers' compensation lawsRequire companies in extra hazardous industries to compensate injured workers and penalties for not adhering to regulations
Defeatedd

36,979 (46%)

44,275 (54%)

CISS

Initiative No. 8, Investment of State Funds InitiativeRevenue allocation; Agriculture policyUse all available permanent state funds on first time farm mortgages

Approveda

45,162 (62%)

27,780 (38%)

CISS

Initiative No. 9, Consolidation of Higher Education Institutions InitiativeHigher education governanceConsolidation of state higher education institutions
Defeatedd

30,465 (40%)

46,311 (60%)

LRSS

Levy for Education ReferendumProperty taxes; Public education funding; Higher education fundingIncrease a tax levy to create revenue for educational institutions
Defeatedd

28,703 (38%)

46,265 (62%)

CISS

Referendum Measure No. 6, Establish Athletic Commission InitiativeAthletics and sports; Administrative powers and rulemakingEstablish a commission to regulate boxing and sparring in Montana
Defeatedd

34,440 (45%)

42,581 (55%)

LRCA

Women's Suffrage Measure AmendmentSex and gender issues; Women's suffrageProvides for women's suffrage in state constitution and allows women to hold office

Approveda

41,302 (52%)

37,588 (48%)

1912

See also: Montana 1912 ballot measures

November 5

TypeTitleSubjectDescriptionResultYes VotesNo Votes

CISS

Initiative Measure No. 306-307Election administration and governanceChoose U.S. Senators based on the popular vote and not party

Approveda

45,620 (79%)

12,442 (21%)

CISS

Initiative No. 302-303Primary election systemsProvide party nominations by direct vote

Approveda

46,473 (78%)

12,879 (22%)

CISS

Initiative No. 304-305Elections and campaigns; Election administration and governanceLimit candidates' election campaign expenses

Approveda

44,337 (76%)

13,645 (24%)

CISS

Initiative No. 308-309Presidential electoral voteDirect vote for president and vice president in primaries

Approveda

46,241 (79%)

12,144 (21%)

CISS

Initiative Referendum No. 300-301State National Guard and militiaOrganize a state militia
Defeatedd

21,195 (34%)

41,749 (66%)

LRSS

State Bond for Insane AsylumHealthcare facility funding; Bond issuesIssue a state bond to purchase property for a hospital

Approveda

34,235 (53%)

30,461 (47%)

1910

See also: Montana 1910 ballot measures

November 8

TypeTitleSubjectDescriptionResultYes VotesNo Votes

LRCA

Increase Tax Levy AmendmentProperty taxesIncrease Tax Levy from 1 and 1/2 mills to 2 and 1/2 mills until taxable property reaches $6 millions when it drops to 2 mills

Approveda

34,481 (66%)

17,883 (34%)

1908

See also: Montana 1908 ballot measures

November 3

TypeTitleSubjectDescriptionResultYes VotesNo Votes

LRSS

Bond for Higher Education ReferendumHigher education funding; Bond issues; Public education fundingIssue a bond for, at most, $500,000 to redeem bonds previously issued for the benefit of various state educational institutions, and restore the institutions’ permanent funds

Approveda

24,809 (66%)

12,910 (34%)

LRCA

Increase Real and Personal Property Tax Levy AmendmentProperty taxes; TaxesIncrease the real and personal property tax levy
Defeatedd

14,184 (36%)

25,706 (64%)

LRCA

State Depository Board AmendmentTax and revenue administrationCreate state depository board

Approveda

29,273 (73%)

10,653 (27%)

1906

See also: Montana 1906 ballot measures

November 6

TypeTitleSubjectDescriptionResultYes VotesNo Votes

LRCA

Initiative and Referendum AmendmentInitiative and referendum processEstablish the initiative and referendum process in the state

Approveda

36,374 (85%)

6,616 (15%)

1904

See also: Montana 1904 ballot measures

November 8

TypeTitleSubjectDescriptionResultYes VotesNo Votes

LRCA

Employment of Children in Underground Mines AmendmentChild labor regulationsProhibit the employment of children under the age of 16 in underground mines

Approveda

29,237 (92%)

2,394 (8%)

LRCA

Workday Hours AmendmentPublic works labor and contractingProvide for an eight-hour day in mills, smelters, mines and for government employment

Approveda

28,631 (88%)

3,742 (12%)

1902

See also: Montana 1902 ballot measures

November 4

TypeTitleSubjectDescriptionResultYes VotesNo Votes

LRCA

County Commissioner Term Limits AmendmentLocal term limits; Local election administration and governanceElect county commissioners

Approveda

11,126 (56%)

8,622 (44%)

1900

See also: Montana 1900 ballot measures

November 6

TypeTitleSubjectDescriptionResultYes VotesNo Votes

LRCA

Use of District Court JudgesState judiciary structureCall district judges to replace disqualified supreme court justices to compose a full bench

Approveda

7,689 (70%)

3,265 (30%)

1898

See also: Montana 1898 ballot measures

November 8

TypeTitleSubjectDescriptionResultYes VotesNo Votes

LRCA

Election of County Commissioners AmendmentLocal government officials and elections; Local government organizationElect county commissioners

Approveda

8,858 (70%)

3,791 (30%)

LRCA

Use of District Court Judges AmendmentState judiciary structureCall district judges to replace missing supreme court justices to compose a full bench

Approveda

8,605 (69%)

3,823 (31%)

1896

See also: Montana 1896 ballot measures

November 3

TypeTitleSubjectDescriptionResultYes VotesNo Votes

LRCA

Voting Qualifications AmendmentVoting age policy; Residency voting requirementsProvide voting qualifications in the state constitution
Defeatedd

3,857 (20%)

15,867 (80%)

1892

See also: Montana 1892 ballot measures

November 8

TypeTitleSubjectDescriptionResultYes VotesNo Votes

LRCA

Election of County Commissioners AmendmentLocal government officials and elections; Local government organizationAuthorize the election of three commissioners in each county for a term of four years

Approveda

19,047 (84%)

3,725 (16%)

Types of ballot measures in Montana

See also: Types of ballot measures in Montana

Citizen-initiated ballot measures

In Montana, citizens have the power to initiate constitutional amendments, state statutes, and veto referendums. In 1906, voters adopted a constitutional amendment allowing for initiated state statutes and veto referendums. In 1972, voters approved a revised constitution, which included the power to initiate constitutional amendments.

Initiated constitutional amendments

See also: Initiated constitutional amendment

An initiated constitutional amendment is a citizen-initiated ballot measure that amends a state's constitution. Eighteen (18) states allow citizens to initiate constitutional amendments.

In Montana, the number of signatures required for an initiated constitutional amendment is equal to 10% of the votes cast in the last gubernatorial election. Montana also has a distribution requirement that requires proponents to collect signatures equal to 10% of the qualified electors in each of two-fifths (40) of the state's 100 legislative districts. A simple majority vote is required for voter approval.

Initiated state statutes

See also: Initiated state statute

An initiated state statute is a citizen-initiated ballot measure that amends state statute. There are 21 states that allow citizens to initiate state statutes, including 14 that provide for direct initiatives and nine (9) that provide for indirect initiatives (two provide for both). An indirect initiated state statute goes to the legislature after a successful signature drive. The legislatures in these states have the option of approving the initiative itself, rather than the initiative appearing on the ballot.

In Montana, the number of signatures required for an initiated state statute is equal to 5% of the votes cast in the last gubernatorial election. Montana also has a distribution requirement that requires proponents to collect signatures equal to 5% of the qualified electors in each of one-third (34) of the state's 100 legislative districts. A simple majority vote is required for voter approval.

Veto referendums

See also: Veto referendum

A veto referendum is a citizen-initiated ballot measure that asks voters whether to uphold or repeal an enacted law. This type of ballot measure is also called statute referendum, popular referendum, people's veto, or citizen's veto. There are 23 states that allow citizens to initiate veto referendums.

In Montana, the number of signatures required for a veto referendum is equal to 5% of the votes cast in the last gubernatorial election. Whether a bill targeted by a veto referendum petition is suspended depends on the distribution requirement met, although the total requirement is the same. The petition must contain signatures equal to 5% of the qualified voters from at least one-third of legislative districts to qualify the referendum for the ballot. If the signatures are equal to 5% of the qualified voters from a majority of legislative districts, it suspends the targeted law until the election. A simple majority vote is required for voter approval.

Legislative referrals

Legislatively referred constitutional amendments

See also: Legislatively referred constitutional amendment

A two-thirds (66.67%) vote is required of all members of the legislature during one legislative session for the Montana State Legislature to place a constitutional amendment on the ballot. Since Montana has 150 legislators (100 Representatives and 50 Senators), at least 100 members must vote in favor of a constitutional amendment for it to pass. Amendments do not require the governor's signature to be referred to the ballot.

Legislatively referred state statutes

See also: Legislatively referred state statute

A simple majority vote is required during one legislative session for the Montana State Legislature to place a state statute on the ballot. That amounts to a minimum of 51 votes in the Montana House of Representatives and 26 votes in the Montana State Senate, assuming no vacancies. Statutes require the governor's signature to be referred to the ballot.

Constitutional convention questions

See also: Constitutional convention question

According to Section 3, Article XIV of the Montana Constitution, a question about whether to hold a state constitutional convention is to automatically appear on the state's ballot every 20 years, if it has not otherwise appeared on the ballot in the last 20 years. Montana is one of 14 states that provides for an automatic constitutional convention question.

The table below shows the last and next constitutional convention question election years:

State Interval Last question on the ballot Next question on the ballot
Montana 20 years 2010 2030


The Montana State Legislature is also authorized to submit a constitutional convention question to voters via a two-thirds (66.67%) vote of both chambers. Citizens may also initiate a constitutional convention question. The number of signatures required to place the question on the ballot is equal to 10% of the qualified electors of the state, including at least 10 percent of the qualified electors in each of two-fifths of the legislative districts. Any amendments proposed by a convention must be ratified by the voters.

See also

Ballot Measure Overview

Footnotes