List of Montana ballot measures
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
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
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Constitutional Convention Question | State constitutional conventions | Hold a state constitutional convention |
2024
See also: Montana 2024 ballot measures
November 5
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CI-126 | Primary election systems | Establish top-four primaries for federal and state offices in Montana | 287,837 (49%) | 300,664 (51%) | ||
| CI-127 | Runoff elections; Ranked-choice voting | Require an electoral system in which candidates for certain offices must win a majority of the vote, rather than a plurality, to win the election | 228,908 (40%) | 348,805 (60%) | ||
| CI-128 | Constitutional rights; Abortion policy | Provide for a state constitutional right to abortion before fetal viability | 345,070 (58%) | 252,300 (42%) |
2022
See also: Montana 2022 ballot measures
November 8
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C-48 | Constitutional rights; Law enforcement officers and departments; Criminal trials | Require search warrant to access a person's electronic data | 365,091 (82%) | 78,334 (18%) | ||
| LR-131 | Abortion policy | Require medical care be provided to infants born alive and make not providing care a felony | 213,001 (47%) | 235,904 (53%) |
2020
See also: Montana 2020 ballot measures
November 3
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C-46 | Initiative and referendum process | Change language in constitution to match existing initiated amendment distribution requirements in statute | 426,279 (77%) | 128,295 (23%) | ||
| C-47 | Initiative and referendum process | Change language in constitution to match existing initiated statute and referendum distribution requirements in statute | 411,153 (75%) | 140,300 (25%) | ||
| CI-118 | Marijuana laws | Authorizes the legislature or a citizen initiative to set a legal age for marijuana purchase, use, and possession | 340,847 (58%) | 248,442 (42%) | ||
| I-190 | Marijuana laws | Legalizes marijuana for individuals over the age of 21 and taxes the sale of non-medical marijuana at a rate of 20 percent | 341,037 (57%) | 258,337 (43%) | ||
| LR-130 | Firearms policy | Removes local governments' authority to regulate firearms, including regulation of concealed carry | 298,388 (51%) | 287,129 (49%) |
2018
See also: Montana 2018 ballot measures
November 6
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| I-185 | Tobacco laws; Tobacco and cigarette taxes; Public health insurance; Public assistance programs | Montana 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. | 236,990 (47%) | 264,087 (53%) | ||
| I-186 | Business regulations; Environment; Mineral resources | 220,266 (44%) | 276,232 (56%) | |||
| LR-128 | Property taxes; Higher education funding | The Montana Property Tax for State University System Measure is on the ballot in Montana as a legislatively referred state statute on November 6, 2018. | 307,704 (63%) | 181,171 (37%) | ||
| LR-129 | Absentee and mail voting; Election administration and governance | The Montana Ballot Collection Measure is on the ballot in Montana as a legislatively referred state statute on November 6, 2018. | 301,172 (63%) | 178,324 (37%) |
2016
See also: Montana 2016 ballot measures
November 8
| Type | Title | Subject | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CI-116 | Crime victims' rights; Criminal trials | 325,934 (66%) | 167,261 (34%) | ||
| I-177 | Hunting regulations | ||||
| I-181 | Bond issues | ||||
| I-182 | Marijuana laws | 291,334 (58%) | 212,089 (42%) |
2014
See also: Montana 2014 ballot measures
November 4
| Type | Title | Subject | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C-45 | State executive branch structure | 166,758 (48%) | 177,615 (52%) | ||
| LR-126 | Voter registration | 155,153 (43%) | 206,584 (57%) |
2012
See also: Montana 2012 ballot measures
November 6
| Type | Title | Subject | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| I-166 | Campaign finance | 343,549 (75%) | 116,554 (25%) | ||
| LR-120 | Abortion policy | 334,416 (71%) | 139,598 (29%) | ||
| LR-121 | Immigration policy | 378,563 (80%) | 97,528 (20%) | ||
| LR-122 | Federal government issues; Private health insurance; Public health insurance | 318,612 (67%) | 155,536 (33%) | ||
| Referendum 124 | Marijuana laws | 268,790 (57%) | 200,730 (43%) |
2010
See also: Montana 2010 ballot measures
November 2
| Type | Title | Subject | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CC-2 | State constitutional conventions | 140,869 (41%) | 198,664 (59%) | ||
| CI-105 | Taxes | 259,621 (73%) | 97,891 (27%) | ||
| I-161 | Fees, licenses, and charges; Hunting regulations | 187,870 (54%) | 161,201 (46%) | ||
| I-161 | Hunting regulations; Revenue allocation; Fees, licenses, and charges | 187,870 (54%) | 161,201 (46%) | ||
| I-164 | Business regulations | 253,475 (72%) | 99,749 (28%) |
2008
See also: Montana 2008 ballot measures
November 4
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C-44 | State and local government budgets, spending, and finance | 118,178 (26%) | 337,656 (74%) | |||
| Initiative 155 | Private health insurance; Public health insurance | Establish a children's health insurance coverage plan for all uninsured children in the state | 329,289 (70%) | 141,701 (30%) | ||
| LR-118 | Taxes; Higher education funding | 264,158 (57%) | 200,957 (43%) |
2006
See also: Montana 2006 ballot measures
November 7
| Type | Title | Subject | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C-43 | State executive branch structure | 133,219 (36%) | 237,367 (64%) | ||
| I-151 | Minimum wage laws | 285,535 (73%) | 107,294 (27%) | ||
| I-153 | Administration of government | 288,098 (76%) | 93,291 (24%) |
2004
See also: Montana 2004 ballot measures
November 2
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C-40 | Environment | 323,929 (76%) | 105,086 (24%) | |||
| C-41 | Right to hunt and fish; Constitutional rights | Provide for a state constitutional right to harvest wild fish and game | 345,505 (81%) | 83,185 (19%) | ||
| C-42 | State legislative term limits | 136,931 (31%) | 299,162 (69%) | |||
| CI-96 | LGBTQ issues; Family-related policy | Define marriage as between one man and a woman | 295,070 (67%) | 148,263 (33%) | ||
| I-147 | Business regulations; Mineral resources | 185,974 (42%) | 257,280 (58%) | |||
| I-148 | Marijuana laws | 276,042 (62%) | 170,579 (38%) | |||
| I-149 | Tobacco laws; Taxes | 282,448 (63%) | 163,626 (37%) |
2002
See also: Montana 2002 ballot measures
November 5
| Type | Title | Subject | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C-36 | State and local government budgets, spending, and finance; Insurance policy | 122,822 (39%) | 188,715 (61%) | ||
| C-37 | Initiative and referendum process | 179,616 (57%) | 134,538 (43%) | ||
| C-38 | Initiative and referendum process | 178,946 (58%) | 131,849 (42%) | ||
| C-39 | State and local government budgets, spending, and finance | 108,450 (35%) | 204,557 (65%) | ||
| I-145 | Administrative organization; Hydroelectric energy | 103,742 (32%) | 221,999 (68%) | ||
| I-146 | Tobacco laws; Public health insurance | 209,638 (65%) | 113,065 (35%) | ||
| IR-117 | Utility policy; Energy market regulations | 116,370 (40%) | 177,966 (60%) |
2000
See also: Montana 2000 ballot measures
November 7
| Type | Title | Subject | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C-34 | State and local government budgets, spending, and finance | 197,399 (52%) | 180,850 (48%) | ||
| C-35 | Tobacco laws | 287,432 (73%) | 103,979 (27%) | ||
| I-143 | Animal treatment laws; Business regulations | 204,282 (51%) | 193,079 (49%) | ||
| LR-115 | Taxes; Transportation | 228,737 (58%) | 168,396 (42%) | ||
| LR-116 | Taxes | 265,951 (68%) | 126,274 (32%) |
1998
See also: Montana 1998 ballot measures
November 3
| Type | Title | Subject | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C-33 | Criminal trials; Crime victims' rights; Criminal sentencing | 225,349 (71%) | 90,349 (29%) | ||
| CI-75 | Taxes | 167,321 (51%) | 159,499 (49%) | ||
| I-134 | Business regulations; Transportation | 172,081 (54%) | 146,629 (46%) | ||
| I-136 | Hunting regulations | 141,425 (44%) | 180,280 (56%) | ||
| I-137 | Mineral resources; Business regulations | 169,991 (52%) | 155,034 (48%) | ||
| IR-114 | Campaign finance | 161,476 (53%) | 144,425 (47%) | ||
| LR-113 | Taxes; Higher education funding | 199,871 (61%) | 125,656 (39%) |
1996
See also: Montana 1996 ballot measures
November 5
| Type | Title | Subject | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C-30 | Higher education funding; Administrative organization; Public education funding | 142,224 (37%) | 242,146 (63%) | ||
| C-31 | Insurance policy | 166,752 (44%) | 214,120 (56%) | ||
| C-32 | State legislative processes and sessions | 174,471 (47%) | 196,618 (53%) | ||
| I-121 | Minimum wage laws | 175,769 (44%) | 227,975 (56%) | ||
| I-122 | Environment; Water | 175,534 (43%) | 230,283 (57%) | ||
| I-123 | Criminal trials | 200,682 (53%) | 180,295 (47%) | ||
| I-125 | Campaign finance | 201,186 (52%) | 183,114 (48%) | ||
| I-132 | Congressional term limits | 172,911 (45%) | 207,508 (55%) |
1994
See also: Montana 1994 ballot measures
November 8
| Type | Title | Subject | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C-25 | Public employee retirement funds | 243,855 (73%) | 88,336 (27%) | ||
| C-26 | State executive official measures | 237,236 (70%) | 99,334 (30%) | ||
| C-27 | Taxes | 175,618 (54%) | 150,649 (46%) | ||
| C-28 | Property; Taxes | 138,475 (41%) | 196,277 (59%) | ||
| CI-66 | Taxes | 159,282 (47%) | 181,938 (53%) | ||
| CI-67 | Revenue and spending limits; State legislative vote requirements; Tax and revenue administration; Fees, licenses, and charges | 167,225 (49%) | 174,616 (51%) | ||
| I-118 | Campaign finance | 200,679 (61%) | 129,983 (39%) | ||
| IR-112 | Taxes | 83,813 (25%) | 246,368 (75%) |
1993
See also: Montana 1993 ballot measures
June 8
| Type | Title | Subject | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LR-111 | Taxes | 78,349 (26%) | 228,587 (74%) |
1992
See also: Montana 1992 ballot measures
November 3
| Type | Title | Subject | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C-22 | State judicial selection | 279,894 (74%) | 96,313 (26%) | ||
| C-23 | Property; Administration of government | 176,082 (46%) | 205,485 (54%) | ||
| C-24 | American Indian issues; Administration of government | 105,475 (27%) | 282,172 (73%) | ||
| CI-63 | State and local government budgets, spending, and finance | 165,126 (43%) | 219,403 (57%) | ||
| CI-64 | State legislative term limits; Congressional term limits; Executive official term limits | 264,174 (67%) | 130,695 (33%) |
June 2
| Type | Title | Subject | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LR-109 | Education; Taxes | 76,546 (36%) | 133,841 (64%) | ||
| LR-110 | State and local government budgets, spending, and finance | 132,820 (63%) | 79,562 (37%) |
1990
See also: Montana 1990 ballot measures
November 6
| Type | Title | Subject | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C-21 | Ballot measure process | 166,143 (56%) | 129,477 (44%) | ||
| CC-1 | State constitutional conventions | 53,630 (18%) | 245,009 (82%) | ||
| CI-55 | Taxes | 78,254 (25%) | 232,807 (75%) | ||
| I-115 | Tobacco laws; Tobacco and cigarette taxes | 130,707 (41%) | 188,732 (59%) |
1988
See also: Montana 1988 ballot measures
November 8
| Type | Title | Subject | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C-17 | State and local government budgets, spending, and finance | 122,854 (36%) | 217,536 (64%) | ||
| C-18 | State legislative authority; Public assistance programs | 182,037 (52%) | 165,056 (48%) | ||
| C-19 | State legislative authority; State judicial selection | 224,937 (66%) | 116,500 (34%) | ||
| C-20 | State legislative processes and sessions | 169,491 (49%) | 178,855 (51%) | ||
| I-110 | Vehicle and driver regulations | 155,481 (42%) | 211,090 (58%) | ||
| I-113 | Environment; Business regulations | 78,509 (21%) | 287,461 (79%) | ||
| LR-106 | Public education funding; Taxes | 227,638 (64%) | 127,259 (36%) |
1986
See also: Montana 1986 ballot measures
November 4
| Type | Title | Subject | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C-15 | Alcohol laws | 207,233 (66%) | 106,611 (34%) | ||
| C-16 | Salaries of government officials | 172,517 (60%) | 116,143 (40%) | ||
| CI-27 | Property; Taxes | 140,090 (44%) | 177,016 (56%) | ||
| CI-30 | State legislative authority; State legislative vote requirements | 175,502 (56%) | 136,653 (44%) | ||
| I-104 | Business regulations; Food policy | 153,293 (49%) | 160,835 (51%) | ||
| I-105 | Taxes; Property | 166,694 (55%) | 136,904 (45%) | ||
| LR-100 | Gambling policy | 216,706 (69%) | 97,459 (31%) |
1984
See also: Montana 1984 ballot measures
November 6
| Type | Title | Subject | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C-13 | State judiciary oversight | 287,926 (81%) | 68,251 (19%) | ||
| C-14 | Redistricting policy | 214,956 (66%) | 109,813 (34%) | ||
| I-96 | Business regulations; Administrative organization; Agriculture policy; Food policy | 145,342 (40%) | 222,200 (60%) | ||
| I-97 | Healthcare; Business regulations | 194,285 (53%) | 171,448 (47%) |
1982
See also: Montana 1982 ballot measures
November 2
| Type | Title | Subject | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C-10 | State and local government budgets, spending, and finance | 128,607 (46%) | 153,264 (54%) | ||
| C-11 | State legislative processes and sessions | 118,980 (41%) | 171,196 (59%) | ||
| C-12 | State legislative processes and sessions; State executive official measures; State legislative vote requirements | 147,463 (53%) | 131,560 (47%) | ||
| I-91 | Nuclear weapons and missiles policy | 168,594 (57%) | 125,092 (43%) | ||
| I-92 | Gambling policy | 115,297 (38%) | 191,334 (62%) | ||
| I-94 | Alcohol laws; Business regulations | 168,594 (57%) | 125,092 (43%) | ||
| I-95 | State and local government budgets, spending, and finance | 207,629 (71%) | 84,875 (29%) | ||
| LR-89 | Nuclear energy; Mineral resources | 70,375 (24%) | 222,210 (76%) |
1980
See also: Montana 1980 ballot measures
November 4
| Type | Title | Subject | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C-9 | State judiciary oversight | 181,140 (58%) | 129,394 (42%) | ||
| I-84 | Nuclear energy; Environment | 172,909 (50%) | 172,493 (50%) | ||
| I-85 | Ethics rules and commissions; Open meetings and public information | 259,698 (77%) | 76,358 (23%) | ||
| I-86 | Taxes | 233,497 (69%) | 102,635 (31%) | ||
| I-87 | Business regulations; Pollution, waste, and recycling policy | 100,761 (29%) | 248,928 (71%) |
1978
See also: Montana 1978 ballot measures
November 7
| Type | Title | Subject | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C-4 | Alcohol laws | 208,227 (76%) | 64,663 (24%) | ||
| C-5 | State and local government budgets, spending, and finance; State legislatures measures | 106,209 (42%) | 145,549 (58%) | ||
| C-6 | County and municipal governance | 165,668 (67%) | 82,489 (33%) | ||
| C-7 | State legislative authority | 122,017 (50%) | 123,438 (50%) | ||
| C-8 | State legislatures measures | 88,397 (34%) | 170,666 (66%) | ||
| CI-8 | Taxes | 117,760 (47%) | 134,462 (53%) | ||
| I-79 | County and municipal governance; Sexual content regulations | 139,763 (53%) | 125,475 (47%) | ||
| I-80 | Nuclear energy | 177,778 (65%) | 95,179 (35%) | ||
| I-81 | Business regulations; Alcohol laws | 169,069 (60%) | 112,195 (40%) | ||
| LR-74 | Alcohol laws | 207,476 (76%) | 65,196 (24%) | ||
| LR-75 | Higher education funding; Taxes | 181,920 (67%) | 88,641 (33%) |
1976
See also: Montana 1976 ballot measures
November 2
| Type | Title | Subject | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C-3 | State and local government budgets, spending, and finance | 178,773 (63%) | 103,001 (37%) | ||
| CI-7 | State and local government budgets, spending, and finance | 86,191 (31%) | 194,734 (69%) | ||
| I-71 | Nuclear energy; State legislative authority | 120,557 (41%) | 175,925 (59%) | ||
| I-72 | Taxes; Property | 204,532 (71%) | 83,611 (29%) | ||
| I-73 | Recall process | 155,899 (57%) | 115,702 (43%) | ||
| R-70 | Taxes | 109,792 (38%) | 176,568 (62%) |
1974
See also: Montana 1974 ballot measures
November 5
| Type | Title | Subject | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C-1 | State and local government budgets, spending, and finance | 121,077 (61%) | 76,252 (39%) | ||
| C-2 | Tort law; Administration of government | 108,704 (55%) | 87,626 (45%) | ||
| CI-1 | State legislative processes and sessions | 110,587 (51%) | 104,581 (49%) |
1972
See also: Montana 1972 ballot measures
November 7
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amendment 1 | Voting age policy | 116,415 (51%) | 113,883 (49%) |
June 6
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Constitution of 1972 Ratification Question | State constitution ratification | Ratify the Montana Constitution of 1972 | 116,415 (51%) | 113,883 (49%) |
1971
See also: Montana 1971 ballot measures
November 2
| Type | Title | Subject | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| R-68 | Taxes | 66,967 (30%) | 154,680 (70%) |
1970
See also: Montana 1970 ballot measures
November 3
| Type | Title | Subject | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amendment 1 | State executive official measures; State legislative authority | 130,377 (66%) | 67,560 (34%) | ||
| Amendment 2 | State executive official measures | 138,119 (66%) | 71,643 (34%) | ||
| Amendment 3 | Voting age policy | 109,227 (52%) | 102,110 (48%) | ||
| R-67 | State constitutional conventions | 133,482 (65%) | 72,643 (35%) |
1968
See also: Montana 1968 ballot measures
November 5
| Type | Title | Subject | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amendment 1 | Salaries of government officials | 87,027 (39%) | 137,587 (61%) | ||
| Amendment 2 | State legislative processes and sessions | 92,093 (41%) | 132,153 (59%) | ||
| Amendment 3 | Administration of government | 105,918 (50%) | 107,471 (50%) | ||
| I-66 | Taxes | 70,497 (31%) | 158,191 (69%) | ||
| R-65 | Higher education funding; Taxes | 127,625 (59%) | 89,396 (41%) |
1966
See also: Montana 1966 ballot measures
November 8
| Type | Title | Subject | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amendment 1 | Government continuity policy | 127,976 (69%) | 57,585 (31%) | ||
| Amendment 2 | State legislative elections; Redistricting policy | 96,246 (53%) | 85,248 (47%) | ||
| LR-64 | Tobacco laws; Tobacco and cigarette taxes | 107,208 (54%) | 92,619 (46%) |
1964
See also: Montana 1964 ballot measures
November 3
| Type | Title | Subject | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amendment 1 | Salaries of government officials | 119,229 (64%) | 65,679 (36%) |
1962
See also: Montana 1962 ballot measures
November 6
| Type | Title | Subject | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amendment 1 | Local official term limits | 106,681 (61%) | 68,394 (39%) | ||
| Amendment 2 | State judiciary structure; State legislative authority | 80,018 (50%) | 81,191 (50%) |
1960
See also: Montana 1960 ballot measures
November 8
| Type | Title | Subject | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| R-62 | Bond issues; Prison and jail funding | 78,291 (39%) | 120,749 (61%) |
1958
See also: Montana 1958 ballot measures
November 4
| Type | Title | Subject | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amendment 1 | State and local government budgets, spending, and finance; Education | 100,927 (59%) | 69,638 (41%) | ||
| IR-59 | Taxes; Alcohol laws | 100,383 (54%) | 85,742 (46%) | ||
| R-61 | Higher education funding; Taxes | 89,251 (52%) | 84,002 (48%) |
1956
See also: Montana 1956 ballot measures
November 6
| Type | Title | Subject | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amendment 1 | Transportation; Taxes | 160,543 (77%) | 47,615 (23%) |
1954
See also: Montana 1954 ballot measures
November 2
| Type | Title | Subject | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amendment 1 | Administration of government | 97,875 (66%) | 50,167 (34%) | ||
| R-56 | Elections and campaigns | 99,337 (69%) | 44,884 (31%) | ||
| R-57 | Healthcare facility funding; Bond issues | 143,587 (87%) | 20,759 (13%) | ||
| R-58 | Bond issues; Education | 131,400 (83%) | 25,982 (17%) |
1952
See also: Montana 1952 ballot measures
November 4
| Type | Title | Subject | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amendment 1 | State legislative authority; County and municipal governance; Elections and campaigns | 88,604 (47%) | 100,200 (53%) | ||
| I-55 | Transportation; Taxes | 76,627 (43%) | 102,455 (57%) |
1950
See also: Montana 1950 ballot measures
November 7
| Type | Title | Subject | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amendment 1 | Administration of government | 77,644 (51%) | 75,641 (49%) | ||
| Amendment 2 | County and municipal governance; State and local government budgets, spending, and finance | 71,648 (47%) | 81,135 (53%) | ||
| Amendment 3 | State and local government budgets, spending, and finance; County and municipal governance | 85,300 (56%) | 67,491 (44%) | ||
| I-54 | Veterans policy | 108,251 (59%) | 75,411 (41%) | ||
| R-53 | Gambling policy | 55,348 (28%) | 140,309 (72%) |
1948
See also: Montana 1948 ballot measures
November 2
| Type | Title | Subject | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amendment 1 | Taxes | 93,461 (70%) | 39,248 (30%) | ||
| R-51 | Taxes; Higher education funding | 77,820 (61%) | 50,167 (39%) | ||
| R-52 | Bond issues; Higher education funding | 75,601 (60%) | 49,621 (40%) |
1946
See also: Montana 1946 ballot measures
November 5
| Type | Title | Subject | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| R-50 | Healthcare facility funding; Bond issues | 90,360 (82%) | 19,268 (18%) |
1945
See also: Montana 1945 ballot measures
June 5
| Type | Title | Subject | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| R-49 | State and local government budgets, spending, and finance; Transportation | 38,756 (82%) | 8,326 (18%) |
1944
See also: Montana 1944 ballot measures
November 7
| Type | Title | Subject | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amendment 1 | State and local government budgets, spending, and finance; Education | 53,089 (38%) | 86,270 (62%) | ||
| Amendment 2 | County and municipal governance | 68,898 (48%) | 76,057 (52%) | ||
| I-48 | Business regulations; Complementary and alternative healthcare | 72,206 (40%) | 108,882 (60%) |
1942
See also: Montana 1942 ballot measures
November 3
| Type | Title | Subject | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amendment 1 | Public education governance; Administrative organization | 38,543 (42%) | 52,317 (58%) | ||
| Amendment 2 | County and municipal governance | 37,321 (42%) | 52,121 (58%) | ||
| R-45 | Bond issues; Higher education funding | 28,664 (34%) | 56,509 (66%) | ||
| R-46 | Bond issues; Higher education funding | 25,027 (30%) | 58,921 (70%) |
1940
See also: Montana 1940 ballot measures
November 5
| Type | Title | Subject | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| I-44 | Higher education funding; Bond issues | 51,921 (48%) | 57,197 (52%) | ||
| R-42 | Taxes; Higher education funding | 58,968 (53%) | 52,998 (47%) | ||
| R-43 | Bond issues; Healthcare facility funding | 75,824 (66%) | 38,249 (34%) |
1938
See also: Montana 1938 ballot measures
November 8
| Type | Title | Subject | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amendment 1 | County and municipal governance | 71,908 (61%) | 46,543 (39%) | ||
| Amendment 2 | State and local government budgets, spending, and finance; Education | 103,071 (67%) | 50,135 (33%) | ||
| I-41 | Transportation; State and local government budgets, spending, and finance | 126,247 (80%) | 32,134 (20%) | ||
| IR-40 | Alcohol laws; Business regulations | 113,332 (62%) | 68,685 (38%) |
1936
See also: Montana 1936 ballot measures
November 3
| Type | Title | Subject | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amendment 1 | County and municipal governance | 78,893 (57%) | 59,337 (43%) | ||
| Amendment 2 | Working hours regulations | 105,407 (51%) | 101,438 (49%) | ||
| IR-36 | Family-related policy | 54,368 (36%) | 96,647 (64%) | ||
| IR-37 | Insurance policy | 67,067 (44%) | 84,245 (56%) |
1934
See also: Montana 1934 ballot measures
November 6
| Type | Title | Subject | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amendment 1 | County and municipal governance | 60,828 (66%) | 31,799 (34%) | ||
| Amendment 2 | Taxes | 106,010 (64%) | 60,912 (36%) |
1932
See also: Montana 1932 ballot measures
November 8
| Type | Title | Subject | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amendment 1 | Elections and campaigns | 124,708 (72%) | 47,694 (28%) | ||
| Amendment 2 | State legislative processes and sessions | 74,393 (76%) | 24,124 (24%) |
1931
See also: Montana 1931 ballot measures
May 5
| Type | Title | Subject | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| R-35 | Transportation; Bond issues | 60,075 (74%) | 21,256 (26%) |
1930
See also: Montana 1930 ballot measures
November 4
| Type | Title | Subject | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| R-33 | Public education funding; Bond issues | 77,761 (57%) | 58,312 (43%) | ||
| R-34 | Agriculture policy; Taxes | 70,548 (54%) | 61,207 (46%) |
1928
See also: Montana 1928 ballot measures
November 6
| Type | Title | Subject | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amendment 1 | County and municipal governance; Elections and campaigns | 97,752 (60%) | 64,079 (40%) | ||
| I-32 | Alcohol laws | 68,431 (46%) | 80,619 (54%) |
1926
See also: Montana 1926 ballot measures
November 2
| Type | Title | Subject | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amendment 1 | Storm infrastructure; Taxes; Insurance policy; Agriculture policy | 54,387 (45%) | 67,700 (55%) | ||
| I-30 | Alcohol laws | 83,231 (53%) | 72,982 (47%) | ||
| I-31 | Transportation; Taxes | 114,763 (73%) | 42,232 (27%) | ||
| R-29 | Taxes; Public education funding | 53,143 (38%) | 86,897 (62%) |
1924
See also: Montana 1924 ballot measures
November 4
| Type | Title | Subject | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amendment 1 | County and municipal governance; Public education governance | 81,814 (65%) | 44,920 (35%) | ||
| Amendment 2 | State and local government budgets, spending, and finance | 73,574 (60%) | 49,267 (40%) | ||
| Amendment 3 | Veterans policy | 66,245 (49%) | 67,814 (51%) | ||
| I-28 | Mineral resources; Taxes; Workers' compensation laws | 87,790 (57%) | 65,742 (43%) | ||
| R-27 | Elections and campaigns | 77,948 (58%) | 57,540 (42%) |
1922
See also: Montana 1922 ballot measures
November 7
| Type | Title | Subject | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amendment 1 | Taxes | 65,279 (55%) | 52,536 (45%) | ||
| Amendment 2 | Local government organization | 67,249 (57%) | 50,178 (43%) | ||
| I-26 | Gambling policy | 60,057 (48%) | 66,363 (52%) | ||
| R-25 | Veterans policy | 67,463 (52%) | 62,100 (48%) |
1920
See also: Montana 1920 ballot measures
November 2
| Type | Title | Subject | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amendment 1 | Administration of government | 51,072 (41%) | 72,870 (59%) | ||
| Amendment 2 | Education; State and local government budgets, spending, and finance | 77,093 (59%) | 54,184 (41%) | ||
| Amendment 3 | Taxes | 58,571 (45%) | 72,161 (55%) | ||
| I-18 | Taxes; Higher education funding | 82,669 (54%) | 71,169 (46%) | ||
| I-19 | Bond issues; Public education funding | 90,441 (58%) | 66,237 (42%) | ||
| I-20 | Bond issues; Property | 68,785 (47%) | 76,949 (53%) | ||
| IR-13 | Elections and campaigns | 60,483 (44%) | 77,549 (56%) | ||
| IR-15 | Elections and campaigns | 66,131 (47%) | 74,079 (53%) | ||
| IR-16 | Elections and campaigns | 60,793 (43%) | 80,023 (57%) | ||
| R-14 | Athletics and sports | 82,827 (56%) | 65,928 (44%) | ||
| R-23 | Transportation; Bond issues | 55,276 (38%) | 89,828 (62%) |
1918
See also: Montana 1918 ballot measures
November 5
| Type | Title | Subject | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amendment 1 | Taxes | 55,296 (64%) | 30,614 (36%) | ||
| I-12 | Complementary and alternative healthcare | 46,302 (54%) | 39,320 (46%) | ||
| Referendum 1 | Bond issues; Agriculture policy | 54,215 (65%) | 29,630 (35%) |
1916
See also: Montana 1916 ballot measures
November 7
| Type | Title | Subject | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amendment 1 | Taxes | 74,257 (55%) | 60,839 (45%) | ||
| Amendment 2 | Taxes | 48,656 (37%) | 83,198 (63%) | ||
| I-11 | Athletics and sports | 72,162 (49%) | 76,510 (51%) | ||
| R-10 | Alcohol laws | 102,776 (58%) | 73,890 (42%) | ||
| Referendum 1 | Prison work regulations; Bond issues; Prison and jail funding | 68,059 (46%) | 79,158 (54%) |
1914
See also: Montana 1914 ballot measures
November 3
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Initiative No. 7, Workmen's Compensation Initiative | Workers' compensation laws | Require companies in extra hazardous industries to compensate injured workers and penalties for not adhering to regulations | 36,979 (46%) | 44,275 (54%) | ||
| Initiative No. 8, Investment of State Funds Initiative | Revenue allocation; Agriculture policy | Use all available permanent state funds on first time farm mortgages | 45,162 (62%) | 27,780 (38%) | ||
| Initiative No. 9, Consolidation of Higher Education Institutions Initiative | Higher education governance | Consolidation of state higher education institutions | 30,465 (40%) | 46,311 (60%) | ||
| Levy for Education Referendum | Property taxes; Public education funding; Higher education funding | Increase a tax levy to create revenue for educational institutions | 28,703 (38%) | 46,265 (62%) | ||
| Referendum Measure No. 6, Establish Athletic Commission Initiative | Athletics and sports; Administrative powers and rulemaking | Establish a commission to regulate boxing and sparring in Montana | 34,440 (45%) | 42,581 (55%) | ||
| Women's Suffrage Measure Amendment | Sex and gender issues; Women's suffrage | Provides for women's suffrage in state constitution and allows women to hold office | 41,302 (52%) | 37,588 (48%) |
1912
See also: Montana 1912 ballot measures
November 5
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Initiative Measure No. 306-307 | Election administration and governance | Choose U.S. Senators based on the popular vote and not party | 45,620 (79%) | 12,442 (21%) | ||
| Initiative No. 302-303 | Primary election systems | Provide party nominations by direct vote | 46,473 (78%) | 12,879 (22%) | ||
| Initiative No. 304-305 | Elections and campaigns; Election administration and governance | Limit candidates' election campaign expenses | 44,337 (76%) | 13,645 (24%) | ||
| Initiative No. 308-309 | Presidential electoral vote | Direct vote for president and vice president in primaries | 46,241 (79%) | 12,144 (21%) | ||
| Initiative Referendum No. 300-301 | State National Guard and militia | Organize a state militia | 21,195 (34%) | 41,749 (66%) | ||
| State Bond for Insane Asylum | Healthcare facility funding; Bond issues | Issue a state bond to purchase property for a hospital | 34,235 (53%) | 30,461 (47%) |
1910
See also: Montana 1910 ballot measures
November 8
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Increase Tax Levy Amendment | Property taxes | Increase 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 | 34,481 (66%) | 17,883 (34%) |
1908
See also: Montana 1908 ballot measures
November 3
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bond for Higher Education Referendum | Higher education funding; Bond issues; Public education funding | Issue 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 | 24,809 (66%) | 12,910 (34%) | ||
| Increase Real and Personal Property Tax Levy Amendment | Property taxes; Taxes | Increase the real and personal property tax levy | 14,184 (36%) | 25,706 (64%) | ||
| State Depository Board Amendment | Tax and revenue administration | Create state depository board | 29,273 (73%) | 10,653 (27%) |
1906
See also: Montana 1906 ballot measures
November 6
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Initiative and Referendum Amendment | Initiative and referendum process | Establish the initiative and referendum process in the state | 36,374 (85%) | 6,616 (15%) |
1904
See also: Montana 1904 ballot measures
November 8
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Employment of Children in Underground Mines Amendment | Child labor regulations | Prohibit the employment of children under the age of 16 in underground mines | 29,237 (92%) | 2,394 (8%) | ||
| Workday Hours Amendment | Public works labor and contracting | Provide for an eight-hour day in mills, smelters, mines and for government employment | 28,631 (88%) | 3,742 (12%) |
1902
See also: Montana 1902 ballot measures
November 4
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| County Commissioner Term Limits Amendment | Local term limits; Local election administration and governance | Elect county commissioners | 11,126 (56%) | 8,622 (44%) |
1900
See also: Montana 1900 ballot measures
November 6
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Use of District Court Judges | State judiciary structure | Call district judges to replace disqualified supreme court justices to compose a full bench | 7,689 (70%) | 3,265 (30%) |
1898
See also: Montana 1898 ballot measures
November 8
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Election of County Commissioners Amendment | Local government officials and elections; Local government organization | Elect county commissioners | 8,858 (70%) | 3,791 (30%) | ||
| Use of District Court Judges Amendment | State judiciary structure | Call district judges to replace missing supreme court justices to compose a full bench | 8,605 (69%) | 3,823 (31%) |
1896
See also: Montana 1896 ballot measures
November 3
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Voting Qualifications Amendment | Voting age policy; Residency voting requirements | Provide voting qualifications in the state constitution | 3,857 (20%) | 15,867 (80%) |
1892
See also: Montana 1892 ballot measures
November 8
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Election of County Commissioners Amendment | Local government officials and elections; Local government organization | Authorize the election of three commissioners in each county for a term of four years | 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
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
- • Campaign finance
- • Endorsements
- • Polls
Footnotes