New Hampshire House Bill HB474

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/13/25
• Refer: 1/13/25
• Report Pass: 2/6/25
• Report DNP: 2/6/25
• Engrossed: 3/24/25
• Refer: 3/24/25
• Report Pass: 4/16/25
• Enrolled: 5/23/25
• Chaptered: 6/6/25
• Passed: 6/6/25

Caption

Requiring a second witness at the counting of write-in votes.

Impact

The implementation of HB 474 will significantly influence the procedures by which votes are counted in local elections. By requiring the presence of a second witness during the counting of write-in votes, the bill endeavors to increase accountability in the electoral process, ensuring that the counting methods employed are verifiable. This requirement may lead to a more rigorous approach to overseeing elections and could help mitigate concerns surrounding voter fraud and miscounts, fostering greater public confidence in the election outcomes.

Summary

House Bill 474 aims to enhance the transparency and reliability of the vote counting process for write-in votes by mandating a second witness during counting. This legislation is particularly relevant for towns and cities that utilize ballot counting devices which can print or digitally display images of the votes cast. Under the proposed law, moderators can count write-in votes by using these printed or displayed images instead of manually examining each ballot, but this procedure must occur in the presence of another sworn-in election official.

Contention

While supporters of HB 474 argue that the bill will enhance the integrity and clarity of the election process, there may be some contention surrounding the additional requirements placed on election officials and the potential logistical challenges it could pose. Opponents may raise concerns about the increased burden this requirement places on local election officials, especially in smaller communities with limited resources. Additionally, the need for a second official may slow down the counting process, which is crucial on election night when timely results are desired.