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Montana Judge Rules Ballot Birth-Year Verification Unconstitutional

Monday, October 5, 2026 · States · GSM News

A Montana judge has ruled that the state's requirement to verify voters' birth years on ballots is unconstitutional. According to media reports on October 8, Judge Menehan found the rule imposed unreasonable extra barriers on voting, violating the state constitution's protection of suffrage. Birth-year verification was part of Montana's recent election reforms; supporters said it helps prevent voter identity fraud, while opponents argued it could invalidate legitimate ballots. The Secretary of State's office said it is reviewing the ruling and has not decided whether to appeal. Voting-rights advocates welcomed the decision as a major win for voter protection.

Related: America's Electoral System (4): The Midterms: What Is on the Ballot on November 3, 2026

Related: Montana Judge Strikes Down Law Requiring Birth Year on Absentee Ballots

Related: After Supreme Court Victory, Bonta Says Mail-In Voting Remains Safe and Secure in California

Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)

Photo: 蒙大拿州议会大厦,Wikimedia Commons(CC BY 2.0)

Story Timeline
  1. 2026-10-05Montana Judge Rules Ballot Birth-Year Verification UnconstitutionalThis story
  2. 2026-10-06Montana Judge Strikes Down Law Requiring Birth Year on Absentee Ballots
  3. 2026-10-21Montana Absentee Ballot Returns Pass 92,000; Birth-Year Requirement on Envelopes Not Being Enforced for Now
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