New Hampshire 2024 Regular Session

New Hampshire House Bill HB1369

Introduced
12/6/23  
Refer
12/6/23  
Engrossed
3/26/24  
Refer
3/26/24  

Caption

Relative to the verification of voter rolls every 4 years.

Impact

This alteration in voter roll verification frequency is significant. By reducing the interval between verifications, the bill aims to enhance the accuracy of the voter registration process, potentially preventing instances of voter fraud and ensuring that only eligible voters can participate in elections. It compels local governments to invest time and resources periodically to review and confirm the eligibility of voters, which might lead to changes in voter accessibility and engagement in local and state elections.

Summary

House Bill 1369 proposes to amend existing regulations regarding the verification of voter rolls in New Hampshire. The bill mandates that supervisors of the checklist must verify the list of registered voters every four years instead of the current ten-year schedule. This change seeks to ensure that state voter rolls are more accurate and up to date, which is crucial for maintaining the integrity of elections. The initial verification processes are scheduled to start in 2025, with future verifications following every four years thereafter.

Contention

The potential impact of HB 1369 has sparked discussions among various stakeholders. Proponents argue that more frequent verification will bolster electoral integrity and public confidence in the voting system. However, opponents express concern that this could disenfranchise voters, particularly those who may have difficulty navigating the registration process or who may not receive timely notifications regarding their registration status. There is also apprehension about the burden this could place on local officials responsible for executing these verifications in compliance with the new rules.

Effective_date

If enacted, HB 1369 is set to take effect on January 1, 2027, giving local election officials time to adjust their processes to fulfill the new verification requirements. The legislation highlights the ongoing debate between ensuring electoral security and maintaining voter accessibility.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

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 HB460

Relative to eliminating voter identification exceptions.

NH HB101

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

NH HB502

Relative to voter affidavit ballots.

NH HB115

Relative to changing the date of the state primary election.

NH HB333

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

NH SB133

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

NH SB220

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

NH HB244

Relative to the delivery of absentee ballots.

Similar Bills

IA HF26

A bill for an act relating to the use of inventory checklists upon commencement and termination of residential tenancies, and including applicability provisions.(See HF 305.)

IA HF305

A bill for an act relating to the use of inventory checklists upon commencement and termination of residential tenancies, and including applicability provisions.(Formerly HF 26.)

NH HB1496

Requiring political subdivisions to make voter checklists available in electronic form to any resident.

NH HB308

Requiring the election checklist to have a column to annotate if a non-New Hampshire issued form of identification is provided to vote.

NH HB1446

Relative to eliminating the cost for electronic copies of the checklist.

NH HB1313

Relative to access to the voter checklist by candidates.

NH HB1442

Relative to access to election and voter information.

NH HB497

Requiring the periodic evaluation of the forms and procedures related to performing voter checklist duties.