406 People First Sues Butte-Silver Bow Over Data Center Vote

The activist group 406 People First filed a lawsuit and sought an injunction against Butte-Silver Bow County after local officials rejected a petition to allow residents to vote on proposed data centers. Group President Denise Kelly stated the organization submitted over 4,500 signatures on July 31, but county officials declined the petition by citing a new Montana law regarding signature deadlines.

Kelly contends that the county's election administrator had previously specified a deadline of August 14, 2026. In response to the legal challenge, County Attorney Matt Enrooth advised the county to agree to a preliminary injunction. This agreement allows the ballot initiative to proceed while the district court determines if a recent ruling from a Billings judge, which favored Yellowstone County on a similar data center issue, applies to this specific case.

A court date is scheduled for next week to determine if the injunction will remain in place long term.