Montana's Native American population now constitutes just under 10% of the state's population according to 2020 census data. Federal and state law requires that districts be drawn to allow fair representation. 

Up until the 2000 Commission, state legislative districts were drawn in ways that diluted the voting impact of the Native American population.

The 2000 and 2010 Commissions created more concentrated minority legislative districts, making it possible for Native Americans to elect legislators in about the same percentage as Native Americans are in the state’s population.

For example, there are 12 Native Americans in the 2021 Montana Legislature, about 8% of the total, while Native Americans constitute about 7.5% of the state’s population according to former census data.

The 2020 Commission will be looking at how to draw new districts that continue to offer fair opportunity for Native Americans to elect representation.  The Commission has proposed four maps, two of which eliminate several Native American majority voting districts.  If you are concerned that these maps do not allow for fair representation for Native Americans, let the Commission know.  Go to the Commission website to view the maps and let the Commission know what you think:  https://mtredistricting.gov/