Joint resolution supporting the national popular vote initiative
Summary
SJ 24 is a joint resolution expressing the Montana Legislature’s support for the National Popular Vote Initiative and recommending that Montana join the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact. The resolution states that the compact would allow presidential and vice presidential electors to be awarded to the candidates who receive the most votes nationwide, while preserving the existing electoral college structure unless and until enough states join the compact to activate it.
The resolution also directs the Secretary of State to send copies to Montana’s congressional delegation and each federally recognized tribal government in the state. It does not itself change election law or alter how Montana awards its electoral votes; instead, it serves as a formal legislative endorsement of a policy direction and urges future participation in the interstate compact.
Impact
Because SJ 24 is a joint resolution rather than a statutory bill, it would not by itself amend Montana election statutes or the state constitution. Its practical effect would be limited to expressing legislative support for the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact and encouraging Montana to join it, which would only change how Montana’s electoral votes are allocated if the state later enacted compact legislation and the compact reached the activation threshold. The resolution is aimed at presidential election law, the Electoral College, and the state’s role in interstate compact participation.
Sentiment
The bill’s text is strongly supportive of the National Popular Vote concept, emphasizing direct democracy, equal voting power, and reducing the focus on battleground states. The recorded vote information shows no opposition in the referenced committee action, suggesting at least procedural support at that stage. However, the bill ultimately died in process, indicating that despite favorable treatment in one vote, it did not advance to final enactment.
Contention
The main point of contention is the broader debate over whether presidential electors should be allocated through the Electoral College or by national popular vote. Supporters argue the current system can produce presidents who lose the popular vote and concentrates campaign attention in a few states, while opponents of the compact typically raise concerns about preserving the federal structure, state autonomy, and the role of smaller or less populous states. The resolution itself does not include an explicit opposition section, but its subject matter is inherently divisive because it implicates presidential election rules and interstate compact strategy.