New Hampshire House Bill HB405

New Hampshire 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/10/23
• Refer: 1/10/23
• Report DNP: 3/8/23

Caption

Relative to out-of-state college students voting.

Impact

The introduction of HB 405 has potential implications for voting access among college students, particularly those from out of state. By tying voting eligibility to in-state tuition payments, the bill may limit the ability of some students to participate in elections, especially those who do not meet the in-state tuition criteria. This could lead to a decrease in participation rates among certain student demographics, which raises concerns about the overall inclusiveness of the electoral process in New Hampshire.

Summary

House Bill 405 aims to regulate voting rights for out-of-state college students in New Hampshire by creating tuition requirements for voter registration. The bill stipulates that students must qualify for in-state tuition and provide proof of tuition payment to claim domicile for voting purposes in the locality where they attend school. This legislative effort seeks to clarify the voter registration process for students by establishing a definite connection between their tuition status and eligibility to vote in their resident communities.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 405 appears to be mixed. Supporters argue that the bill is a necessary measure to ensure fair election practices and to strengthen the connection between a voter and their community. They believe that establishing residency through tuition commitments will enhance civic engagement. Conversely, opponents of the bill criticize it as a restrictive measure that could disenfranchise a significant number of students, undermining their right to vote and causing a chilling effect on voter participation from those who may feel excluded.

Contention

A notable point of contention arises from allegations that HB 405 could disenfranchise eligible voters. Critics argue that the bill's requirements for documentation may unduly burden some students who may lack easy access to their tuition bills or who attend institutions that do not classify them as in-state residents for tuition purposes. Additionally, the requirement for universities to compile and submit lists of eligible student voters to the secretary of state raises concerns about privacy and the potential for bureaucratic complications in voter registration.