Text reading "Priority Issue Area: Protecting Democracy" over a photo of a statue of justice

Ensuring a fair and free judiciary is the cornerstone of an effective democracy, and the ACLU of Montana will vigorously oppose the latest attempts to undermine, subvert and denigrate the quality of our judicial branch. When the courts become politicized, all Montanans suffer, especially the marginalized and oppressed. As such, the ACLU of Montana has decided to make protecting the judiciary a priority issue area.

During the 2025 Montana legislative session, we tracked the following legislation that could impact Montana's democratic process:

The word OPPOSE written in white letters on a red background
HB 295, allowing party affiliation declaration by judicial candidates, which would improperly politcize our judiciary. This bill did not make it through the 2025 legislative session, meaning it will not become law. ACLU of Montana OPPOSED this bill. 

The word OPPOSE written in white letters on a red background
HB 480, revising when a party can demand a jury trial. Unfortunately, this bill passed in both the Montana House and Senate, and was signed into law by the Governor. ACLU of Montana OPPOSED this bill. 

The word OPPOSE written in white letters on a red background
HB 506, revising selection of MT Supreme Court justices, which would create a pathway for a constitutional amendment giving the Governor, not the people, the power to appoint Montana’s Supreme Court justices. This bill did not make it through the 2025 legislative session, meaning it will not become law. ACLU of Montana OPPOSED this bill. 

The word OPPOSE written in white letters on a red background
 SB 42, partisan elections of judges, requiring partisan elections of judges and justices, which would improperly politicize our judiciary. This bill did not make it through the 2025 legislative session, meaning it will not become law. ACLU of Montana OPPOSED this bill. 

The word OPPOSE written in white letters on a red background
SB 52, Court of Chancery, creating an entirely new type of Court that decides constitutional cases without any accountability to Montana voters whose rights are at stake. This bill did not make it through the 2025 legislative session, meaning it will not become law. ACLU of Montana OPPOSED this bill. 

The word OPPOSE written in white letters on a red background
SB 490, limiting voter registration, closing voter registration the date before election day for federal elections, effectively ending same-day voter registration. Unfortunately, this bill passed in both the Montana House and Senate, and was signed into law by the Governor. ACLU of Montana OPPOSED this bill.

TAKE ACTION: Click here to learn how to speak with your legislator, including how to contact them online or virtually attend a committee hearing.

Stay informed! Become a member of our action team

What to Do When Faced With Voter Intimidation

Know Your Rights