Opinion

Editor,  Both state Legislatures and Congress are introducing bills that either restrict ballot access for security reasons or improve access to allow greater participation. In Montana, HB176 eliminates same-day voter registration (important to tribal members), while HB169 restricts the types of IDs permissible for voter identification. Bills improving access, at the congressional level, HR1 (For the People Act) seeks to expand voting rights, diminish the role of money in politics, reduce partisan gerrymandering and enhance ethics laws. In Montana, HB613 (Native American Voting Rights Act) works to reduce voting barriers in indigenous communities.    Both sides of th...

Editor,  Voting is an American principle and a basic democratic right that should be protected, promoted and practiced. The Voting Rights Act of 1965 and the 24th Amendment are legally considered issues related to our election system. And yet, in 2021, we have an onslaught of 2021 legislators from...

Editor,  It was a great turnout for the Ronan St. Patrick’s Day parade. The bagpipes were my first live music in a year. Nothing ever sounded better. The 4-H ‘ers were there along with floats of all kinds. The theme was Irish but then along came a float that I hope to never see again in a...

Editor, I’m sure I am not the only person distraught over the goings on at the legislature. I’m concerned that they don’t appear to have done much research on a lot of bills. Legislators have squandered lots of tax dollars looking out for themselves and their buddies, not the common good...

Editor, The reason Montana has the best campaign finance laws is because the Anaconda Corporation proved to Montana citizens that is was easy for corporations to buy off politicians, which is not unlike what we are seeing today.  HB 224 and HB 225 are intended to loosen the restrictions that have ...