How are Self-Government Powers Acquired?
Gaining Self-Government Powers in Montana: Voter Approval
A municipal or county government may acquire self‐government powers only with the approval of a majority of the electors voting on the question. The question may be presented to the local electorate directly as a ballot proposal to adopt self‐government powers, or indirectly as a ballot proposal to adopt a charter form of government, which, if approved by the voters, automatically confers self-government powers upon the jurisdiction.