Montana aims to curb corporate election spending with a volunteer-driven ballot initiative.

The Montana Transparent Election Initiative seeks to prohibit corporate and union money from influencing elections, striving to reduce financial sway and restore voter power. This effort builds on Montana’s century-long battle against corporate political spending and counters the Citizens United Supreme Court decision.

The initiative requires about 60,000 voter signatures to qualify for the November ballot, with volunteers working to collect them despite an estimated $1 million cost if paid firms were engaged. It has drawn endorsements from diverse figures including former Montana officials, national political commentators, and Pete Buttigieg, who will speak about it in Butte on May 17. The movement recalls historic political corruption, such as William A. Clark’s $431,000 bribery to secure a US Senate seat, underscoring the ongoing tension between money and democratic representation.

Signature gathering continues as the initiative approaches the ballot.

Montana’s political culture, shaped by rugged independence and a history of reform, might make its electorate receptive to limiting corporate influence. This grassroots push could resonate with Montanans’ preference for local control and skepticism of outside financial interests in state affairs.

How the Montana Plan Could Make “Citizens United” Irrelevant
By Ricky D’Ambrose, The Nation

(Many thanks to Ben T. for sharing)

The Montana Plan

The Montana Plan, a breakthrough legal strategy, will stop corporate and dark money cold. It’s how Montanans will beat Citizens United and take back our politics. Learn about what it is and how it’s headed toward Montana’s 2026 ballot. Montana can do it, and your state can too!

Please support the effort today