Dear Editor,
Retired Justices for CI-132
In the upcoming November general election, two groups, Montanans for Nonpartisan Courts and Montanans for Fair and Impartial Judges, are proposing that Montana voters amend our Constitution to guarantee that judicial elections continue to be nonpartisan—as they have since 1935.
This Constitutional Initiative, (CI-132), proposes to add a new Section 1 to Article VII of Montana’s Constitution by adding a new section 12 that reads: Section 12. Nonpartisan Judicial Elections. Judicial elections shall remain nonpartisan.
The undersigned, Retired Montana Supreme Court Justices respectfully encourage you to sign a petition to place CI-132 on the general election ballot, and then to cast your vote FOR this measure.
Here’s why:
- Judges should be elected based on their character, record and qualifications, not on a political party’s endorsement. CI-132 protects our long-standing tradition of selecting judges based on the person, not the party.
- CI-132 helps ensure that judges are accountable to the citizens of Montana and the constitution. It limits the influence of politicians, party bosses, and donors, and ensures the people of Montana get to pick judges who will adhere to the constitution rather than the party line. All of us want and expect a level playing field from our courts and judges.
- Nonpartisan courts protect our judges from becoming puppets of politicians and party bosses. Judges must be fair, independent and impartial. They swear to uphold the constitution and the rule of law, not a party platform or other ideology.
- The people of Montana should have the final say in how our judges are elected, not politicians. Montana’s courts should be elected by the people without interference from political parties or special interests.
- Some politicians in the legislative and executive branches are trying to take control of Montana’s courts and judges. CI-132 ensures this won’t happen.
- In February 2025, Montana Supreme Court Chief Justice Cory Swanson urged the legislature to “reject legislation that will undermine the effective functioning of the judiciary, not because judges don’t like it, but because it will ultimately harm Montana citizens.”
Remember; nonpartisan judges and courts are the only protectors of the rule of law and your constitutional rights.
Please sign the petition for CI-132 so voters have a chance to choose nonpartisan judicial elections this November.
Thank you.
Respectfully,
Retired Montana Supreme Court Chief Justice Mike McGrath
Retired Montana Supreme Court Justice Patricia Cotter
Retired Montana Supreme Court Justice William Leaphart
Retired Montana Supreme Court Justice Jim Regnier
Retired Montana Supreme Court Justice Dirk Sandefur
Retired Montana Supreme Court Justice Terry Trieweiler
Retired Montana Supreme Court Justice John Warner
Retired Montana Supreme Court Justice Mike Wheat
