HELENA, Mont. (AP) — The Montana Green Party is challenging a state law that governs minor party ballot access.
In a complaint filed in federal court Monday, the party is challenging the March 15 submission deadline and the requirement that a minimum number of signatures be gathered in 34 of 100 legislative districts.
The party is asking a federal judge to prevent Secretary of State Corey Stapleton from enforcing the law.
In the meantime, Stapleton's office is asking the Montana Supreme Court to overturn District Judge James Reynold's ruling that removed Montana Green Party candidates from the November general election ballot.
Reynolds made his ruling in a case filed by the Montana Democratic Party after rejecting 87 signatures as invalid.
The state also is appealing Reynold's order to the Montana Supreme Court.
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This version has been corrected to show judge's last name is Reynolds.
