New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

New Hampshire House Bill HB270

Introduced

1/7/25

Refer

1/7/25

Report Pass

3/19/25

Engrossed

3/28/25

Refer

3/28/25

Report Pass

5/1/25

Enrolled

7/7/25

Caption

Requiring the preservation of electronic ballot counting device external storage devices.

Impact

The introduction of HB 270 is expected to significantly impact how election materials are managed and secured within local municipalities. By instituting strict preservation protocols, the bill seeks to bolster public confidence in the electoral process, addressing growing concerns over election integrity and the potential for disputes arising from voting outcomes. This preservation is crucial not only for safeguarding the results of past elections but also in allowing for thorough investigations should legal challenges arise.

Summary

House Bill 270 aims to establish new regulations regarding the preservation of external storage devices used in electronic ballot counting machines. Specifically, the bill mandates that these devices, alongside other election materials, must be preserved until any electoral contest is resolved and all appeals have been completed. This requirement extends for a minimum duration of 22 months following an election, ensuring robust safeguards around the electronic voting process.

Contention

Despite its intentions, the bill has faced scrutiny regarding logistics and potential financial implications. Critics express concerns over the indeterminate costs associated with procuring additional electronic storage devices necessary for compliance, especially during non-general election periods. Some local officials worry that the bill may impose burdens on smaller communities with limited resources for implementing these mandates. Additionally, there are discussions about whether the prolonged preservation of electronic materials could complicate future technology upgrades or maintenance operations.

Fiscal_note

According to the fiscal note associated with HB 270, there is an indeterminate increase in local expenditures due to the potential need for additional memory cards for ballot counting devices in off-year elections. While the Department of State has indicated that there would be no direct fiscal impact on its operations, the lengthy preservation requirements may lead to unexpected costs for local governments tasked with managing and storing these materials.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NH HB154

Relative to electronic ballot counting devices.

NH HB482

Requiring the use of ballots with embedded security, traceability, and relative to the chain of custody for ballots cast in elections.

NH HB1364

Relative to intimidation of election officials, officers, and workers, improper influence over the electoral process, and tampering with electronic ballot counting devices, voter lists or rosters, voter registration systems, and voting system components or passwords.