The Montana Legislature's House State Administration meeting on March 21, 2025, focused on significant discussions surrounding immigration and election security, particularly the proposed constitutional amendment regarding voting eligibility.

A key topic was the push for a change in the definition of qualified electors in Montana's constitution. Currently, the constitution allows any citizen of the United States aged 18 or older to vote, but proponents of the amendment argue for a stricter interpretation that would limit voting rights to only U.S. citizens. This proposed change aims to ensure that non-citizens do not participate in state and local elections, a concern echoed by 75% of Montana citizens surveyed.

The amendment's supporters emphasized the importance of safeguarding the electoral process, stating that the current language has led to confusion and potential loopholes that allow non-citizens to vote in some jurisdictions. They highlighted that while federal law prohibits non-citizens from voting in federal elections, it does not extend to state and local elections, which has resulted in instances of non-citizen voting in 21 U.S. cities and four states, including Washington D.C.

The discussion included an analogy to clarify the difference between "any" and "only," illustrating that the proposed amendment would create a more exclusive right to vote for U.S. citizens. Advocates for the amendment believe that it is crucial to amend the constitution to prevent any ambiguity regarding voting rights and to protect the integrity of elections in Montana.

The meeting concluded with a call for further expert testimony on the bill, which has gained traction in 20 other states and is seen as a popular measure among constituents. The proposed amendment is not viewed as an immigration bill but rather as a necessary step to reinforce voting rights for U.S. citizens.