by Lyn Hellegaard, former Rep. HD97, Missoula

Please follow us on X and Telegram

Thank you Lyn for writing the Straight Truth for the voters of Ravalli County! -Bill Lussenheide

Highlight line– I requested Rep. Bedey accept a friendly amendment to his bill that would have at least made the ballots provisional until status was confirmed. His response: a resounding “No.” Upon further discussion he stated: “It doesn’t matter, they’re voting anyway.” With this logic, rape and murder should be legal because they’re already doing that.

>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<

I’m writing in response to Rep. David Bedey’s recent column titled: “Another Big Lie.” He certainly got the title correct; everything after that, not so much.

All one has to do is read the short title of his HB402 bill (emphasis added):

“A BILL FOR AN ACT ENTITLED: “AN ACT REVISING ELECTOR REGISTRATION LAWS; REQUIRING THE SECRETARY OF STATE TO VERIFY THE CITIZENSHIP STATUS OF NEW APPLICANTS; REQUIRING THE MOTOR VEHICLE DIVISION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE TO ASSIST IN VERIFICATION WHEN AN APPLICANT PROVIDES A DRIVER’S LICENSE IN THE APPLICATION; REQUIRING THAT A PERSON WHOSE CITIZENSHIP STATUS IS NOT YET VERIFIED BE ALLOWED TO VOTE; PROVIDING RULEMAKING AUTHORITY; AMENDING SECTION 13-2-109, MCA; AND PROVIDING AN IMMEDIATE EFFECTIVE DATE.’

This bill, which he sponsored, not only allowed non-citizens to register but also to vote before their status was verified. Bedey fails to recognize that several states issue driver’s licenses to non-citizens, including illegal aliens. I requested Rep. Bedey accept a friendly amendment to his bill that would have at least made the ballots provisional until status was confirmed. His response: a resounding “No.” Upon further discussion, he stated, “It doesn’t matter, they’re voting anyway.” With this logic, rape and murder should be legal because they’re already doing that. These actions indicate Rep. Bedey is willing to give non-citizens superior rights to American citizens – you. How, you ask? If any of your voter information isn’t verified, your ballots are considered provisional.

He not only sponsored HB402 but also doubled down by voting for HB275 in 2025, which would have given driver’s licenses to non-citizens. I, for one, believe actions speak louder than words. His actions say he wants non-citizens voting in our elections and driving on our roads.

Rep. Bedey’s letter, in my humble opinion, proves a couple of things: he thinks you’re gullible enough to buy his Big Lie, and he’ll continue to deceive you about his voting record and intentions in order to get elected.

Lyn Hellegaard