On August 14, 2025, the Chippewa Cree Indians of the Rocky Boy’s Reservation and two Native voters filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Montana challenging Chouteau County’s unfair, at-large voting system for the Board of County Commissioners. The suit alleges the system unlawfully dilutes the voting strength of Native voters and has denied them any representation on the County Commission for more than a decade.
It has been made clear that the county does not hear or respect Native American voices and makes decisions unilaterally. That position goes against the American ideals of democracy and equality. NARF supports the Chippewa Cree and Native voters in Chouteau County as they fight to protect their rights and their voice.
Native American Rights Fund (NARF), American Civil Liberties Union Foundation Voting Rights Project (ACLU), and ACLU of Montana, represent the plaintiffs in this case.
Read more about the Chouteau County case on the NARF website.