While nearly everyone has an opportunity to vote on Election Day, the wealthy have a big hand in determining who we get to vote for on the ballot. And that goes against the idea of voter equality.

Some states have passed laws to prevent the wealthy from gaining too much influence in elections. In 1994, Montana voters passed a ballot initiative setting limits on the amounts of campaign contributions. These limits range from $340 for state House elections to $1,300 for the governor’s race. Most people in Montana (one of the poorest states in the country) don’t have anywhere near $340 (let alone $1,300) to give to politicians, and very few contribute the maximum. But some do, and would give more if it wasn’t illegal. The contribution limits have helped prevent Montana elections from spinning out of control and limit the worst violations of voter equality. And they haven’t given either party an edge: the National Institute on Money in State Politics ranks Montana as having some of the most competitive elections in the country.