Gianforte Votes in Gallatin County, Again Raising Question of Constitutional Residency Requirement
By Keila Szpaller for the Daily Montanan
Governor Greg Gianforte voted again with a voter registration address in Gallatin County despite a requirement in the Montana Constitution that the governor “reside at the seat of government.”
Helena is the seat of government in Montana.
The Montana Secretary of State Office’s searchable voter portal indicates Gianforte, a Republican, used his Bozeman address to register to vote and his 2024 election ballot was accepted.
Earlier this year, a Great Falls lawyer reviewed Montana’s residency requirement and records related to Gianforte.
Caitlin Boland Aarab said she believes there is “compelling evidence” the governor does not meet the residency requirement given that he votes and pulls hunting tags outside of Helena, and he is a taxpayer for the Bozeman home for which his wife signed for a tax rebate.
In an email Monday, Boland Aarab said the governor is openly flouting the requirement given the Montana Constitution is clear on the topic, and the issue has been in the news.
“That kind of ‘I follow only the rules I like’ attitude is the real problem with his approach to governance, in my opinion,” said Boland Aarab, whose law firm focuses on ensuring even the powerful “play by the rules.”
The Gianfortes announced earlier this year they were buying the historic Hauser Mansion in Helena near another home of theirs in Helena. Neighbors and the governor’s calendar have indicated Gianforte is at the Helena residence generally Mondays and Tuesdays.
Gianforte’s office did not respond to a question Monday about where the governor lives. His office did not respond to earlier questions this summer from the Daily Montanan about whether he believes he is meeting the state’s residency requirements.
However, Democrat Ryan Busse, running to try to unseat Gianforte, noted in a news release Monday that his opponent voted outside Helena.
“Greg Gianforte has always believed he’s better than everyone else and that the rules don’t apply to him—and now he wants more political power so he can keep turning our state into a playground for millionaires and billionaires like himself,” said Busse in a statement.
“The fact that Gianforte openly violated the Montana Constitution isn’t up for debate. It’s right there in the public record, and he has yet to answer for it.”
Gianforte, like many MAGA Republicans, only pays attention to the Constitution when it suits him.