New Hampshire House Bill HB1359

New Hampshire 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 11/20/21
• Refer: 11/20/21
• Report DNP: 3/2/22

Caption

Relative to the election-day duties of incumbent election officials who also appear on the ballot.

Impact

The implications of HB 1359 on state laws revolve mainly around the amendment of existing statutes related to the duties of election officials. By establishing clear disqualifications, it aims to minimize potential conflicts of interest during elections. The bill amends provisions within RSA 658:24 and RSA 659:58 to provide a more robust framework for handling situations where election officials simultaneously appear on ballots, thus enforcing greater transparency and fairness in election procedures.

Summary

House Bill 1359 addresses the responsibilities and limitations of election officials who are also candidates during elections. This bill clarifies certain roles and restrictions for these officials on election day. Specifically, it states that individuals running for elective offices are disqualified from performing specific election duties, such as handling ballots and counting votes where they are candidates. The intention behind this legislation is to maintain the integrity of the electoral process by preventing candidates from influencing the outcomes while serving in official capacities.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding HB 1359 appears to be cautiously supportive. Proponents argue that the bill is a vital step towards safeguarding election integrity and ensuring that those in positions of authority do not have undue influence over the voting process. However, there may also be concerns among some legislators and groups about the practicality of enforcing these disqualifications and the impact they may have on the availability of election officials during critical periods.

Contention

Notable points of contention likely revolve around balancing election integrity with operational efficiency. Opponents of the bill might argue that it could lead to a shortage of suitable election officials during elections, particularly in closely contested races. Additionally, there may be discussions focused on how strictly these disqualifications can and should be enforced, particularly in local jurisdictions, and whether such provisions could unintentionally disenfranchise candidates from performing their civic duties.