LTE: Vote “Yes” on Constitutional Amendment 132

To the Editor:

CI-132 wording is simple: “Judicial elections shall remain nonpartisan.” It’s been that way since 1935 in response to Montana’s powerful Copper Kings who were buying judges to rule in their favor. This Citizen Initiative protects this long-standing tradition so we can keep judges accountable to the people’s interests, not deep pocketed political interests.

One argument I’ve heard is “the Supreme Court is too liberal.” An answer: vote individuals out. There are 7 Justices. In even years not more than 2 are up for election. So, in 2 election cycles (2 years), bam, a majority of 4 new Justices could be elected.

Prior to 2025, state law barred political parties from making financial contributions directly to judicial candidates. Then politicians in Helena ended that law by passing HB39, a law allowing political parties to make financial contributions of nearly $90,000 to MT judges. That’s a dangerous step toward making judges lean to political parties. We need to protect independent courts and keep them accountable to the constitution, not political parties and their money.

Most Montanans interact with judges in family, traffic, civil, and criminal courts, deciding everything from child custody to employment and property disputes. There is no Republican or Democratic way to handle these cases — there’s only the law. Mixing politics with these cases will hurt Montanans who just want a fair and impartial hearing without worrying about politics.

Act courageously and with strength, vote “Yes” on CI-132

“Judicial elections shall remain nonpartisan.”

Rhett Smith

Red Lodge

Originally published in the Carbon County News on 9/24/26