NH
New Hampshire House Bill HB1370

New Hampshire 2024 Regular Session

New Hampshire House Bill HB1370

Introduced
12/6/23  
Refer
12/6/23  
Report Pass
3/6/24  
Report DNP
3/6/24  
Engrossed
3/26/24  
Refer
3/26/24  

Caption

Relative to eliminating voter identification exceptions.

Impact

The bill has significant implications for New Hampshire's voting procedures, as it requires applicants for voter registration to provide comprehensive proof of citizenship, age, domicile, and identity. Specifically, it amends existing laws to streamline and specify the types of identification that can be accepted, fundamentally altering how residents register and vote. This shift from permitting exceptions to enforcing strict identification mandates could potentially reduce voter turnout, particularly among demographics less likely to possess the required forms of ID, such as younger voters and those from lower-income backgrounds.

Summary

House Bill 1370 seeks to eliminate exceptions to voter identification requirements in New Hampshire, thereby making it mandatory for all voters to present valid identification when registering to vote or voting. This legislation repeals the use of voter affidavits as an acceptable form of identification and further formalizes the protocols surrounding ballot handling, especially in cases of legal challenges. By reinforcing identification requirements, the bill is intended to enhance the integrity of the electoral process and ensure that all voters meet strict qualifications.

Contention

The legislation has fostered debate among state lawmakers and advocacy groups. Proponents argue that eliminating exceptions is essential to prevent voter fraud and maintain election integrity, while critics contend that it disproportionately affects marginalized communities who may struggle to provide the required documentation. Opponents view this tightening of voter ID laws as an unnecessary barrier to voting that could disenfranchise eligible voters, sparking debates over the balance between security and accessibility in the electoral framework.

Latest HB1370 Activity

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NH HB460

Relative to eliminating voter identification exceptions.

NH SB156

Relative to voter registration and verification of voter identity.

NH HB40

Relative to domicile residency, voter registration, and investigation of voter verification letters, and relative to the terms "resident," "inhabitant," "residence," and "residency."

NH SB220

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

NH HB502

Relative to voter affidavit ballots.

NH HB101

Relative to requiring voters declare a party affiliation prior to a state primary election.

NH HB115

Relative to changing the date of the state primary election.

NH SB133

Relative to changing the date of the state primary election and creates runoff election for federal primary election.

NH HB463

Relative to the establishment of an election information portal.

NH HB333

Relative to changing the date of the state primary election and adding a run-off election if necessary.

Similar Bills

NH HB385

Reestablishing voter identification exceptions.

NH HB1569

Relative to eliminating voter identification exceptions.

NH HB460

Relative to eliminating voter identification exceptions.

NH SB418

Relative to verification of voter affidavits.

NH HB502

Relative to voter affidavit ballots.

NH HB1203

Relative to voter registration and verification of voter identity.

NH HB1149

Relative to domicile residency, voter registration, investigation of voter verification letters, and relative to the terms "resident," "inhabitant," "residence," and "residency."

NH HB40

Relative to domicile residency, voter registration, and investigation of voter verification letters, and relative to the terms "resident," "inhabitant," "residence," and "residency."