Montana ballot measure CI-133 clears certification for 2026 vote

Montanans Decide says its CI-133 initiative has been certified by the secretary of state after more than 100,000 signatures, putting the measure on the November 2026 ballot. Supporters say the proposal would protect the state’s initiative and veto process from special interests and keep final say with voters.

Why it matters: - CI-133 would affect how Montanans propose, pass and veto laws through the ballot initiative process. - Supporters argue the measure would make that process fairer, more impartial and more efficient. - The campaign says the issue goes to the heart of whether ordinary voters or special interests have the final say in Helena.

What happened: - Montanans Decide says the secretary of state certified CI-133 for the November 2026 ballot. - The campaign turned in more than 100,000 signatures to county elections offices by the June 19 deadline. - County offices and the secretary of state reviewed the signatures and confirmed the initiative met the roughly 60,000-signature threshold. - The secretary of state announced on Aug. 17 that the measure would go before voters in November.

The details: - CI-133 is described as a nonpartisan measure focused on ballot initiative rules. - The campaign says recent polling shows 68% support for the measure. - Two former secretaries of state endorsed the initiative: Bob Brown, a Republican who served from 2001 to 2005, and Mike Cooney, a Democrat who served from 1989 to 2000. - Brown said ballot measures help hold government accountable and ensure Montanans still have the final say. - Cooney said ballot measures have long been used by people across Montana to pass laws and veto bad ones when government oversteps. - The campaign says it will keep talking with voters across Montana about protecting the initiative process. - More information is available at Montanans Decide. - The campaign also posted on social media through Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.

Between the lines: - The endorsement from two former top election officials gives the campaign a bipartisan seal of credibility. - The push for CI-133 fits into a broader fight over who controls policy in Montana, elected officials or direct voter initiatives. - The campaign is leaning on public support numbers and election-process language to frame the measure as procedural, not partisan.

What's next: - Montanans will vote on CI-133 in the November 2026 election. - The campaign plans to continue outreach across the state ahead of the vote. - The measure’s fate now shifts from petition gathering to a statewide ballot fight.