New Hampshire House Bill HB1370

New Hampshire 2024 Regular Session

• 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
• Report DNP: 5/7/24

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.