New Hampshire 2024 Regular Session

New Hampshire Senate Bill SB537

Introduced
12/14/23  
Refer
12/14/23  
Report Pass
3/20/24  
Engrossed
4/10/24  

Caption

Allowing the processing of absentee ballots.

Impact

The bill modifies RSA 657 and RSA 659, altering existing regulations regarding the handling of absentee ballots. Under SB537, clerks are permitted to open outer envelopes before election day, which is a significant procedural shift meant to streamline the voting process. It is expected that this will enhance voter participation by enabling voters to address any discrepancies proactively. Consequently, the bill addresses certain administrative bottlenecks associated with absentee voting, thereby positively impacting the efficiency of elections in the state.

Summary

SB537 is a legislative proposal aimed at reforming the procedures associated with absentee voting in New Hampshire. The bill introduces provisions that allow for the preprocessing of absentee ballots, which would enable town and city clerks to open outer envelopes ahead of election day. This change intends to reduce delays in counting votes and improve the efficiency of the electoral process. By doing so, the bill supports timely processing while ensuring that voters can be notified about any errors found on their ballots, allowing them the opportunity to correct these issues before election day.

Contention

While there is considerable support for SB537 due to its anticipated benefits for voter access and efficiency, there are concerns regarding the potential security implications of opening absentee ballots prior to election day. Critics argue that premature handling of ballots could risk compromising the integrity of the voting process. Moreover, some may contend that not requiring outer envelopes for certain submissions could lead to challenges in maintaining privacy and voter anonymity. Thus, the bill has sparked discussions around balancing accessibility with the safeguarding of election integrity.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NH SB158

Relative to absentee ballot outer envelopes.

NH HB484

Relative to the handling of the absentee ballot envelopes prior to election day.

NH SB220

Modifying the absentee voter registration process, absentee ballot application, and absentee ballot voting process.

NH HB482

Requiring the use of ballots with embedded security, traceability, and relative to the chain of custody for ballots cast in elections.

NH HB244

Relative to the delivery of absentee ballots.

NH HB415

Making ballots cast in elections public documents.

NH HB387

Permitting election ballots to be viewed pursuant to a right to know request.

NH HB586

Relative to absentee voting due to absence.

NH HB508

Relative to the payment of postage on absentee ballot return envelopes.

NH HB453

Relative to prohibiting the folding of election ballots and providing adequate envelops for absentee ballots to prevent folding.

Similar Bills

CA AB1619

Elections: voter registration and signature comparison.

CA SB734

Voters: online voter registration.

NH SB418

Relative to verification of voter affidavits.

CA AB1303

Affidavits of registration.

CA AB781

Affidavits of registration.

TX HB1833

Relating to the authority to transfer real property in the name of an entity.

CA SB105

Online voter registration.

CA SB682

Online voter registration.