Administrative Rules of Montana
Department 44 - SECRETARY OF STATE
Chapter 44.3 - ELECTIONS
Subchapter 44.3.27 - Mail Ballot Elections
Rule 44.3.2716 - SIGNATURE VERIFICATION PROCEDURES
Current through Register Vol. 6, March 22, 2024
(1) For the purpose of school district elections conducted by the school district clerk (election administrator) signature verification shall be conducted by the county election administrator. This is accomplished as follows:
(2) The ultimate test in signature verification is whether or not officials are convinced that the individual signing the affidavit is the same as the one whose name appears on the registration card. In making their determination, officials may include consideration of factors like:
(3) Signatures are not required to be identical in either form or content. It is sufficient if a substantial similarity exists, so long as officials can determine that the signatures are the same individual. So, the use of a common name abbreviation, or substituting an initial in place of a first or middle name, will not necessarily invalidate the signature.
(4) The official shall check and initial each envelope if so required by administrative procedures, as the signature is verified.
13-19-105, MCA; IMP, 13-19-304, 13-19-312, MCA;