New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

New Hampshire House Bill CACR4

Introduced
1/17/25  

Caption

Relating to voting eligibility. Providing that only legal resident citizens who are at least 18 years of age or older who reside in the place they claim as a domicile shall be eligible voters.

Impact

If passed, CACR4 would amend the New Hampshire Constitution, modifying Article 11, which currently allows inhabitants aged 18 and older to vote. The amendment explicitly narrows this right to legal citizens who truly reside at their claimed domicile, thereby tightening eligibility criteria. This could impact various voter registration processes and challenge existing norms regarding voting rights for individuals who may not meet the new definitions of domicile.

Summary

CACR4 is a proposed constitutional amendment in New Hampshire that aims to define and clarify voting eligibility in the state. Specifically, it seeks to ensure that only legal resident citizens who are at least 18 years of age and actually reside in the place they claim as domicile are eligible to vote. This amendment will guarantee the right of all such legal residents to participate in elections at their designated domicile, reinforcing the principle of local voting based on actual residency.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding CACR4 is mixed, with support for the measure typically coming from legislators who advocate for stricter voting laws and the idea of ensuring that only true residents are allowed to vote. Conversely, critics argue that such measures could disenfranchise eligible voters who may not have permanent residency documentation or may be disproportionately affected by these new restrictions.

Contention

The notable points of contention include concerns that the amendment could restrict voting rights for some citizen groups, particularly those who face challenges in proving their residency. Opponents worry that this could lead to increased barriers to voting, which may disproportionately affect students, transient workers, and low-income groups who may struggle to provide the proof of residency required under the new criteria.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NH HB1149

Relative to domicile residency, voter registration, investigation of voter verification letters, and relative to the terms "resident," "inhabitant," "residence," and "residency."

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 CACR1

Relating to the governor. Providing that there be a lieutenant governor who shall assume the duties of the governor if the governor is incapacitated.

NH HB1400

Relative to residential parking spaces, landlord-tenant law, unauthorized occupant evictions, and zoning procedures concerning residential housing.

NH CACR22

Relating to the New Hampshire presidential primary. Providing that the New Hampshire presidential primary shall be the first presidential primary of a presidential election cycle.

NH CACR11

Relating to the retirement age for sheriffs. Providing that sheriffs attaining the age of 70 years during their elected term in office shall be permitted to complete their current term.

NH CACR19

Relating to redistricting. Providing that an independent redistricting commission shall be established to draw boundaries for state and federal offices.

NH SB538

Relative to zoning procedures concerning residential housing.

NH SB478

Relative to child day care, residential care, and child-placing agency licensing.

NH CACR9

Relating to the New Hampshire presidential primary. Providing that the New Hampshire presidential primary will be the first presidential primary of a presidential election cycle.

Similar Bills

MD HB1342

Elections – Ballot Questions – Publication of Proposed Laws and Plain Language Summary

HI HB2038

Relating To Constitutional Amendments.

HI HB337

Relating To Constitutional Amendments.

HI SB640

Relating To Constitutional Amendments.

HI SB2347

Relating To Constitutional Amendments.

MD SB89

Elections - Ballot Questions - Publication of Proposed Laws

MD HB177

Elections - Ballot Questions - Publication of Proposed Laws

HI HB1605

Relating To Elections.