Senate Bill 169 Would Make Changes To Voter ID Laws

The passage of Senate Bill 169 could result in making it more difficult for Native Americans to vote in future Montana elections.

The bill, which aims to revise voter ID laws, passed the Montana Senate by a 31-19 margin and then passed its second reading in the House, 66-34, on Wednesday, March 24.

According to the bill, in order to register to vote, people can use along with standard identification such items as a driver’s license or a tribal ID card, utility bills or provide the last four numbers of their Social Security number.

Floyd Azure, Fort Peck tribal chairman, said, “It will hinder us. It’s pretty bad.”

Bill sponsor Mike Cuffe, R-Eureka, said that the bill is about trying to make sure any Montana voter can vote in Montana elections.

Rep. Jonathan Windy Boy, D-Box Elder, noted that it could cause obstacles for Native Americans. He said that since becoming a citizen in his own country, there have been a lot of restrictions put in front of him, his family and his people while seeking the American dream.

Windy Boy said the bill will probably result in another court battle.

He explained two or three families sometimes live in one household because of limited housing on reservations.

“It will be another barrier from allowing those eligible to vote, to vote,” Windy Boy said.

Azure said some legislators don’t want to permit “non-traditional addresses.” He feels that could hurt people who live on the reservation as far as being able to vote.

“Why are they targeting Native Americans and nobody else?” Azure said.

During the House’s second reading debate, Rep. Jessica Karjala, D-Billings, argued against passage.

“This bill is a poll tax by its most basic definition,” Karjala said.

She noted the bill will disenfranchise residents who aren’t wealthy enough to have a drivers license, utilities bill or Costco card.

She added the bill violates the National Voters Registry Act, U.S. Constitution and Americans with Disabilities Act.

“This bill puts barriers in front of people who will be basically too poor or too elderly to vote,” Karjala said.

Rep. Denise Hayman, D-Bozeman, said that proponents of the bill point out that identification is needed when you purchase a vehicle or board a plane. She argued that the measure doesn’t have to do with buying items but rather having the right to vote in this country. She said the bill treats some groups unfairly.

“We are playing with fire with this,” Hayman said. “It will go to court. It’s a huge no on this.”

Azure said he believes the case will end up in federal court.