Interim study on moving the date of the primary election

This bill (LC 4484) is a joint resolution requesting an interim study to examine moving Montana's primary election date earlier in the election cycle. It directs the Legislative Council to form a committee to study how changing the primary date would impact election procedures, deadlines, redistricting timelines, and other elections, while consulting with county administrators, the Secretary of State, tribal leaders, and other stakeholders. The committee must analyze potential benefits (like increased candidate attention for Montana issues) and drawbacks (such as conflicts with existing election schedules) and develop recommendations for legislative action. The study must be completed by September 15, 2026, with findings reported to the 70th Legislature. This resolution does not change the election date but sets the process for evaluating such a change.