NH
New Hampshire Senate Bill SB490

New Hampshire 2024 Regular Session

New Hampshire Senate Bill SB490

Introduced
12/13/23  
Refer
12/13/23  
Report Pass
2/15/24  
Engrossed
3/2/24  
Refer
3/2/24  

Caption

Relative to the verification of the checklist.

Impact

If enacted, SB490 will have a direct impact on how voter registration lists are maintained at the local level. The bill requires supervisors to verify voter checklists every five years, thus increasing the accountability of local officials in maintaining accurate records. This change is intended to facilitate easier access for eligible voters to register or reregister and could also impact voter participation rates by ensuring voters are aware of their status and any required actions for maintaining it. Additionally, the legislation could incur some administrative costs, yet the fiscal note indicates these costs will be minimal, totaling less than $10,000 annually.

Summary

Senate Bill 490-FN focuses on the verification of voter checklists, proposing a significant change in the frequency of such verifications from every 10 years to every 5 years. This modification aims to ensure a more current and accurate representation of registered voters. The bill emphasizes the responsibility of local supervisors to conduct these verifications and outlines the procedural requirements necessary for maintaining the checklist. By mandating more frequent updates to the voter checklist, the bill seeks to enhance the integrity of the electoral process in New Hampshire.

Contention

While proponents argue that SB490 will lead to a more efficient and trustworthy electoral process, there may be contention regarding the additional administrative burden placed on local officials. Critics could express concerns about the feasibility of the increased frequency of verification sessions and whether local governments have the resources necessary to meet the new requirements. Furthermore, the ease of voter access to the registration process will rely heavily on effective communication and transparency from local government offices, which could be a point of contention if not adequately addressed. Overall, the bill has the potential to improve voter engagement, although it will require careful implementation to avoid pitfalls associated with increased administrative tasks.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NH SB156

Relative to voter registration and verification of voter identity.

NH SB223

Relative to supervisors of the checklist.

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 SB133

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

NH HB460

Relative to eliminating voter identification exceptions.

NH HB333

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

NH HB316

Relative to meetings of supervisors of the checklist.

NH HB502

Relative to voter affidavit ballots.

NH HB101

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

NH SB220

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

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.