Your Most Important Vote
Author: JB Howick, Townsend City Council, Ward 1
Your Most Important Vote
Four years from now, you’ll cast a vote that might seem inconsequential in today’s heated political climate: you’ll vote for whether or not a Montana State Constitutional Convention should be held.
If you’re feeling a little underwhelmed by that statement, you’re not alone. But I ask you to trust me when I say it really will be one of the most important votes you cast in your lifetime. Montana’s Constitution
requires the public to decide, once every ten years, whether or not to take a long, hard look at the document. It’s important. It’s necessary. And the requirement exists because of people just like you.
Two weeks ago, I had the privilege of attending the Montana Constitution Roadshow put on by Upper Seven Law. The Roadshow is a free, non-partisan presentation that introduces the public to the (quite frankly!) amazing history of the state’s fundamental law and the unique aspects of that law. Aspects that don’t appear in many (often any!) other state constitutions, nor even the U.S. Constitution.
Did you know that none of the 1972 Convention delegates were elected officials? Did you know the delegates included farmers, ranchers, lawyers, teachers, housewives... ordinary people? Did you know that
Montana's is the only constitution to require schools to teach about indigenous cultures? Did you know that important aspects of the Constitution come from courageous women who stood alone to ensure rights
were protected? Did you know that during the 1972 Convention that a raging liberal sat next to a fanatical conservative due to an unusual seating order — and they not only didn’t beat the snot out of each other, but they contributed meaningfully to the Constitution and became life-long friends?
I didn’t! The 90-minute presentation was worth every second of my time, and I want everyone to share in it. I’d like to hear from you about interest in bringing the Montana Constitution Roadshow to Townsend! It
would be free to the public and I’m very serious when I say that everyone, absolutely everyone, even if they’re familiar with Montana history, should attend. Voting for a Montana Constitutional Convention is, perhaps, the only vote you'll cast where both the "yes" and the "no" are equally important because both are an affirmative statement that you want the rule of law in Montana and are willing to live under it.
No law is perfect. No constitution is perfect. The 1972 Convention knew this and framed a document that echoes the very best efforts of our Founding Fathers (and Mothers!). It’s a document to be proud of even if you think it could use a bit of tweaking. You’ll have that chance in just four years. Think about it. Every student in Broadwater High School today will be voting whether or not to hold a convention! I’d love to schedule Upper Seven Law to present twice in one day, once to the High School and once, later that same evening, to the public. It’s worth every second of your time (I can’t say that enough!). If that’s something you’d like to see, please drop me an email at KeithJr@Howick.org or throw me a text at (801) 690-5462.
No one can be proud of Montana and not be proud of its Constitution. The document and its history are amazing!
No survey this round, just a request to hear from you. Please remember that while I am a member of the Townsend City Council, these opinions are my own and do not reflect the opinion of other council members or any policy of the city. Local government works best when it hears from the people! And this is one of the many ways we’re trying to hear everyone’s voice. Thank you!
JB Howick
Townsend City Council, Ward 1
