2009 Veto Poll Ballots

Montana law requires that Secretary of State Linda McCulloch poll the Legislature following a Governor’s veto when the Legislature is not in session. Participation in the poll is voluntary, but it is gives state lawmakers a chance to vote either for or against overriding each veto being polled. The Secretary of State must mail the poll within five business days of receiving a Governor’s veto, and responses must be received within 30 days of the mailing date. In order to override a Governor’s veto, 2/3rds of the members of each house must vote for an override. Bills that receive a veto override poll include only the bills that were approved by final vote of two-thirds of the members voting on the bill. If the final vote on the bill was not approved by two-thirds of the members voting on the bill, then no override is possible, and a poll is not conducted.

LAW CHANGE: On March 30, 2009, the 61st Montana Legislature passed HB192, which was sponsored by State Representative Janna Taylor. The new law prohibits any state legislator from changing their vote on a mail ballot veto override after their completed ballot has been received by the Secretary of State’s Office.