Montana Cuts Deceased Voter Removal Time from Years to Days, Earns National Recognition

HELENA — Montana has received the 2025 National Association of State Election Directors (NASED) Innovators Award for a program that simplifies removing deceased voters from registration rolls while supporting grieving families.

Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen’s “Death of a Loved One” initiative was recognized during the 2025 NASED Summer Conference in Oklahoma City. The program allows families to cancel a deceased loved one’s voter registration using an obituary published by a funeral home, media organization or other entity.

The initiative became law earlier this year through House Bill 248, sponsored by Rep. Braxton Mitchell (R-Columbia Falls). The legislation specifically amended state law to allow voter registration cancellation through obituaries, refining previous language that had more broadly referenced newspaper reporting of deaths. Election workers and funeral directors joined Jacobsen at the Montana State Capitol to celebrate the legislation’s passage.

“Our goal through my ‘Death of a Loved One’ initiative was to balance the important task of voter list maintenance with a compassionate and accessible experience for families struggling with the loss of a loved one,” Jacobsen said. “We’re grateful to be recognized with the 2025 NASED Innovators Award, which signifies our commitment to serving our Montana voters.”

The program includes partnerships with Montana funeral homes, which now receive brochures explaining the voter registration cancellation process. The brochures are included in grievance packets given to families during funeral arrangements.

Elections Director Austin James said the secretary aimed to create a meaningful partnership during a difficult time for families.

“Secretary Jacobsen was proud to partner with the Montana Funeral Directors Association to create a meaningful impact by supporting families during the challenging time of losing a loved one,” James said. “The Secretary aimed to provide a simple and gracious way to support families during their grief, and we’re pleased that our brochure and legislative changes made this possible.”

Funeral homes across Montana have requested the informational brochures, and the Montana Funeral Directors Association expressed appreciation for the collaboration.

“We are thankful to Secretary of State Jacobsen and election officials across the state for the partnership,” the association stated earlier this year. “Our members have found Secretary Jacobsen’s brochure extremely helpful in providing information to families.”

The NASED Innovators Award recognizes innovative training procedures, technologies, partnerships and practices from the 50 states, the District of Columbia and five U.S. territories. Under Jacobsen’s leadership, Montana received the award for the first time.

The program has dramatically improved efficiency in maintaining accurate voter rolls. According to the Secretary of State’s office, removing deceased voters previously took “months, or in some cases even years,” but now averages single-digit days.

“Election officials frequently hear from Montanans requesting their loved ones be removed from the voter rolls, and in the majority of cases, the cancellation has already been completed,” the office stated.

The initiative represents Montana’s approach to maintaining accurate voter rolls while providing compassionate support to families during bereavement. The recognition could lead to expanded partnerships with funeral homes and other organizations to further assist grieving families.