Can Montana end Citizens United?

Montana is attempting to challenge the influence of corporate money in elections through a ballot initiative, I-194, which seeks to ban corporations from contributing to political campaigns. This effort stems from a long history of resistance against oligarchic influence, dating back to the Gilded Age mining magnate William A. Clark. Since the 2010 *Citizens United* ruling, independent outside spending in U.S. elections has surged from under $400 million to nearly $4.5 billion by 2024. Proponents like former state commissioner Jeff Mangan argue that by regulating corporate law, the state can effectively restrict political spending for companies doing business within its borders. While legal experts like Chara Torres Spellacy and Rick Hasen anticipate significant constitutional challenges, the initiative serves as a critical public protest against the perceived corruption inherent in modern campaign finance.