New Hampshire Senate Bill SB156

New Hampshire 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/20/23
• Refer: 1/20/23
• Report Pass: 2/1/23
• Engrossed: 3/20/23
• Refer: 3/20/23

Caption

Relative to voter registration and verification of voter identity.

Impact

The proposed bill is expected to streamline the registration process by reducing unnecessary bureaucratic steps, such as the requirement for voters submitting domicile affidavits to receive informative letters from the Secretary of State. Removing this requirement could lower state expenditures related to mailing costs. However, local government costs may increase due to the additional training required for election officials to adapt to the new verification protocols, potentially leading to indeterminable increases in local expenditures starting in FY 2024.

Summary

Senate Bill 156 (SB156) addresses voter registration and the verification of voter identity in New Hampshire. The bill modifies the procedures surrounding the qualifications necessary for voter registration, emphasizing the need for proof of identity and citizenship while allowing authorized election officials to verify a voter's identity using nonpublic information from the centralized voter registration database. This change aims to ensure the integrity of the election process by requiring more stringent identification measures for voters.

Contention

Notably, there are concerns regarding the implications of stricter identity verification measures on voter turnout, especially among marginalized groups who may lack appropriate identification. Critics argue that the bill's requirements could disenfranchise certain voters, particularly those who face difficulties obtaining valid identification. Supporters maintain that these measures are necessary to prevent voter fraud and maintain electoral integrity, showcasing a division in perspectives on the balance between access to voting and safeguarding election security.