Story perspectives

Judge Blocks Montana Election-Day Registration Cut, Cites Native Voter Impact

5/12/2026

Summary

Story summary

Judge Adam Larsen blocked Montana Senate Bill 490, finding it would disproportionately affect Native American voters.
The district court halted the law that would have cut statewide Election Day registration hours and barred voters registering after noon from voting in presidential, Senate and House races.
Attorney General Austin Knudsen said the decision creates an undue burden for election officials, keeping the ruling in effect until the trial in late August.

1 of 1

Story summary

Judge Adam Larsen blocked Montana Senate Bill 490, finding it would disproportionately affect Native American voters.
The district court halted the law that would have cut statewide Election Day registration hours and barred voters registering after noon from voting in presidential, Senate and House races.
Attorney General Austin Knudsen said the decision creates an undue burden for election officials, keeping the ruling in effect until the trial in late August.