MT Voter Registration Window Closes….and Another One Opens

Helena, MT – Today (Tuesday) is the last day for regular voter registration in Montana, and for those who run out of time before the deadline, there’s a second chance.

A new law means Montanans can register and vote at county courthouses through Election Day. Comments from Joan Hurdle, a member of Montana Conservation Voters in Billings, and a former state legislator.

Suggested Script: Today (Tuesday) a deadline is looming for Montanans, but it’s one with a grace period. It’s the last day for regular voter registration, and tomorrow (Wednesday) is the first day of the late voter registration – something new to Montana this year.

Joan Hurdle is a member of Montana Conservation Voters in Billings who says the new option will encourage busy people to vote…

Actuality Cut 51%%ID%%: (:09) “So often, people who hadn’t quite gotten around to registering, a week or two before the election they’ll think that they would like to vote. In the past, it’s always been too late.” Suggested Tag: The new law means Montanans can register and vote at their local county courthouse up until, and including, Election Day.

**** Alternate Cut: Hurdle says kudos to the state for allowing more Montanans to participate in government by extending voter registration…

Actuality Cut 52%%ID%%: (:09) “The election usually gets more exciting right at the end. That’s when people wish they had registered, but now they can vote anyway even if they hadn’t previously registered.” (end)

OPTIONAL REPORTER WRAP: LEAD: Deborah Smith reports… Actuality Cut 53%%ID%% TRT: 26 Q… Note to Editors: More info on registration at www.mtvoters.org. Joan Hurdle can be reached through 406-586-0109.