A group of former public officeholders in Montana is spearheading an initiative to curb corporate influence in state politics. Their goal is to place a constitutional amendment on the ballot by 2026, aimed at prohibiting corporations from making campaign contributions. This effort seeks to address concerns about transparency and accountability in elections while challenging existing legal precedents that have expanded corporate political spending.

The movement is driven by the Transparent Election Initiative (TEI), a nonprofit organization established by Jeff Mangan, a former commissioner of political practices in the state. TEI’s strategy focuses on revising corporate charters, which serve as the legal agreements between businesses and the state of Montana. By amending these charters, TEI aims to explicitly bar corporations from participating financially in election campaigns. This reform would also apply to out-of-state companies operating within Montana's borders, thereby extending its reach beyond local entities.

In an interview with a local publication, Mangan explained that the proposed changes would prevent corporations from contributing indirectly through political action committees (PACs). Currently, individuals can anonymously fund corporations that then donate to PACs, creating a lack of transparency. The initiative seeks to eliminate this loophole, ensuring greater visibility into who funds political activities. Mangan further noted that his plan operates under a distinct legal framework, arguing it circumvents issues raised by past Supreme Court rulings like Citizens United.

Support for the initiative has come from prominent figures including former governors Mark Racicot and Steve Bullock, as well as other retired politicians. Legal expertise is being provided by Matt Cochenour, a former assistant attorney general, who is tasked with drafting the precise language of the constitutional amendment. Before reaching voters, the proposal must navigate several procedural steps, including reviews by legislative services, assessments by the attorney general, and a statewide signature collection drive overseen by the Secretary of State’s Office.

As momentum builds for this ambitious project, supporters hope it will redefine how Montana handles corporate involvement in its electoral process. By addressing both direct and indirect forms of corporate funding, the initiative could set a precedent for enhancing electoral integrity not only in Montana but potentially across the nation.