The Blaine County Journal News-Opinion - We've Got The County Covered

MISSOULA, MT - Today, four Montana organizations launched an online portal to encourage voter registration. The Forward Montana Foundation, Montana Women Vote, MontPIRG, and Western Native Voice have a long history of registering eligible Montanans to vote at events, in local businesses, and on college campuses. Following the COVID-19 outbreak, the groups collaborated to adapt and bring their voter registration efforts online. Together, they aim to protect Montanans’ public health and access to democracy.

Currently, Montana is one of the only eleven states without online voter registration. Until the state makes this important change, the organization wanted to bring voters one step closer to a fully online experience. The encrypted online portal will be a secure and accessible way for Montana residents to register to vote from the safety of their homes.

“Having a secure platform where young people can register to vote is critically important to the health of our democracy and ensuring their voices and lived experiences are elevated across all levels of our government,” said Amara Reese-Hansell, Program Director at Montana Women Vote.

The online portal will provide an opportunity for all Montanans to participate in the civic space. “Low income Montanans deserve a voice in our elections, and we want to make registering to vote and voting as accessible as possible,” said Eleanor Smith, Program Director at Montana Women Vote.

While this is an important step in expanding access to voter registration, the participating organizations recognize there is more to be done. “For too long, systemic and policy barriers have prevented Montana’s Native American voters form fully and meaningfully participating in our democracy,” said Marci McLean, Executive Director of Western Native Voice.