Montana plans a 2026 ballot initiative I-194 to revoke corporate charters over Citizens United compliance.

Montana voters are set to decide on a measure that would challenge the 2010 Citizens United Supreme Court decision by stripping charters from corporations that fail to comply, signaling a novel assertion of state authority against federal policy. This move exemplifies “soft secession,” where states resist federal mandates without formal separation.

The initiative has garnered support from 74 percent of Montana voters, including significant majorities of Republicans and Independents, according to a recent poll by Issue One. Advocates like Jeff Mangan and former governor Marc Racicot argue that excessive corporate money distorts politics, while legal scholars cite precedents supporting state resistance to federal laws. Opponents include the current governor and business groups, who have expressed strong opposition. The debate draws on historical examples such as resistance to the Fugitive Slave Act and state marijuana legalization, alongside legal analyses referencing uncooperative federalism; the Montana Constitution’s environmental provisions reflect the state’s broader independent spirit.

Montana’s ballot initiative will appear before voters in 2026, amid ongoing legal and political battles over state versus federal authority.

Given Montana’s expansive geography and independent political culture, the state’s approach to challenging federal rulings might inspire other Western states to consider similar measures, especially where local economic and environmental interests diverge from federal priorities. Such dynamics could reshape regional business climates and governance frameworks.

Montana Anti-Citizens United Bill Is A Form Of Soft Secession
By Steve Hanley, CleanTechnica

A measure aimed at stemming the tide of corporate money in politics will be on the November ballot. Opponents say it violates a high court ruling.