Montana Title 13. Elections § 13-10-501. Petition for nomination by independent candidates or political parties not eligible to participate in primary election

(1) Except as provided in 13-10-504, nominations for public office by an independent candidate or a political party that does not meet the requirements of 13-10-601 may be made by filing a declaration of intent and paying the filing fee in accordance with 13-10-201 and by circulating a petition for nomination.

(2) The petition must contain the same information and the oath of the candidate required for a declaration for nomination.

(3) If a petition is filed by a political party, it must contain the party name and, in five words or less, the principle that the body represents.

(4) The form of the petition must be prescribed by the secretary of state, and the secretary of state shall furnish sample copies to the election administrators and on request to any individual.

(5) Each sheet of a petition must contain signatures of electors residing in only one county.

(6) An unsuccessful candidate for office at a primary election may not seek nomination by write-in vote or petition for the same office at the general election.