Ballot Issue Overview, Forms and Guidelines

It is the responsibility of ballot issue sponsors to ensure that all applicable laws are followed, including laws governing signature gathering activities and any deadline requirements. In addition to the information here, each ballot issue sponsor should review Title 13, Chapter 27, MCA, in its entirety.

• 2024 Ballot Issue Calendar
• Drafting a Ballot Issue
• Past Ballot Issues
• Voter Information Pamphlet (VIP) FAQs
• Rights and Responsibilities of Signature Gatherers
• Employer of Paid Signature Gatherer Registration Form
• Affidavit of Signature Gatherer with Notary
• Affidavit of Signature Gatherer with Unsworn Declaration
• Number of Statewide Ballot Issue Signatures Required by House District
• Request for Copies of Petitions
• Potential Election Law Violation Report
• Request for Withdrawal of Petition Signature Form

The Legislature may pass bills in order to:

• Refer a proposed law to the voters through a legislative referendum, or
• Send a proposed constitutional amendment to the voters.

• Enact a law by initiative,
• Approve or reject an act of the legislature by referendum, or
• Amend the state constitution.

A member of the public proposing a ballot issue must follow certain steps:

Making a Case:

1. The sponsor of the ballot issue will be asked to prepare an argument in support of the issue for use in the official state Voter Information Pamphlet, published by the Secretary of State. Certain elected officials will choose individuals to prepare an argument against the issue, and then each side will have the opportunity to provide a rebuttal. Argument and rebuttal factual statements must be supported by documents filed with the Secretary of State within 2 business days of the date on which the arguments and rebuttals are required to be filed.
2. If the ballot issue passes, it becomes part of state law or the state constitution.