MT SB562

Establishes a "top two primary" system for major offices where the two candidates receiving the most votes advance to the general election regardless of party affiliation, applying to U.S. Senator, U.S. Representative, Governor/Lt. Governor, Secretary of State, Attorney General, State Auditor, Superintendent of Public Instruction, Public Service Commissioners, Clerk of the Supreme Court, state legislators, and county commissioners

Candidates may declare a political party "preference" on the ballot (not affiliation), but this designation does not indicate party nomination or endorsement; ballots must clearly state candidates are not nominees of their preferred party

Maintains separate partisan primaries for other offices where political parties nominate candidates through traditional party ballots, with voters selecting one party's ballot to participate

If only two or fewer candidates file for an office using the top two primary system, those candidates advance directly to the general election without appearing on the primary ballot

Effective immediately upon passage and approval, with conforming amendments to approximately 90 existing Montana Code sections governing elections, vacancy procedures, campaign practices, and election contests