Group sues Butte-Silver Bow County after 4,500 signatures for data center initiative rejected
A group called 406 People First has filed a lawsuit against Butte-Silver Bow County after their petition with 4,500 signatures for a data center ballot initiative was rejected due to a new state statute. A preliminary injunction was granted, allowing the clerk and recorder to resume the signature counting and review process for the initiative.
The group 406 People First has initiated legal action against Butte-Silver Bow County following the rejection of 4,500 signatures intended to place a data center construction initiative on the ballot. The county attorney confirmed the petition was deemed invalid based on a new state statute that advanced the deadline for such petitions.
The initiative, championed by 406 People First, aims to ensure public participation through a vote on proposed data center projects. In response to the rejection, the group sought a preliminary injunction, which was granted by the court on Wednesday afternoon. This order permits the clerk and recorder to proceed with counting and reviewing the collected signatures while the district court examines the new statute and the case. Yellowstone County reportedly faced a similar situation, rejecting a comparable petition due to the same statute.