2001 Montana Legislature

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HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 4

INTRODUCED BY D. FUCHS, BALES, BITNEY, R. BROWN, BRUEGGEMAN, DALE, DAVIES, DEVLIN, ESP, FACEY, FORRESTER, GOLIE, HIMMELBERGER, L. HOLDEN, JACKSON, LASLOFFY, MASOLO, MCGEE, MOOD, RICE, RIPLEY, ROME, SLITER, SOMERVILLE, STEINBEISSER, B. THOMAS, TRAMELLI, WHITAKER, WOLERY



A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MONTANA URGING THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS TO REQUIRE STANDARDIZED POLLING HOURS TO SELECT PRESIDENTIAL ELECTORS AND A NATIONAL MEDIA BLACKOUT ON PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION RETURNS WHEN A PRESIDENTIAL GENERAL ELECTION IS HELD.



     WHEREAS, on November 7, 2000, the national media called the presidential election at 7:20 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, giving Florida and the election to a candidate prior to the polls closing in Florida and 4 hours and 40 minutes prior to the polls closing in California; and

     WHEREAS, we cannot let the election process and the foundation of our republic form of government be manipulated and diminished by the lack of standardized polling hours and an irresponsible and reckless national media; and

     WHEREAS, it must be the will of the people, the voter, and the electors that determines the outcome of each election, not the state and federal courts; and

     WHEREAS, we need not reinvent the wheel, and adoption of these simple changes will not only be effective, but is bipartisan and will restore faith in our election process and our government.



NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MONTANA:

     That the United States Congress be strongly urged to pursue federal legislation requiring standardized polling hours for selecting presidential electors and a constitutional amendment providing for a media blackout on presidential election returns when a presidential general election is being conducted.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Secretary of State send copies of this resolution to the Montana Congressional Delegation, the major broadcast networks, and the publisher of each newspaper in the state.

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