New Hampshire House Bill HB613

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/16/25
• Refer: 1/16/25
• Report Pass: 3/19/25
• Report DNP: 3/19/25
• Engrossed: 3/28/25
• Refer: 3/28/25
• Report Pass: 5/13/25
• Enrolled: 7/14/25

Caption

Relative to use of accessible voting systems.

Impact

The enactment of HB 613 would introduce clear guidelines into New Hampshire's election laws regarding the use of accessible voting systems. It specifically mandates clerks to publicly announce the availability of these systems if they believe that they will not be utilized during elections. This requirement, placed 90 to 180 days prior to elections, is formulated to encourage better communication between election officials and voters, ensuring that the logistical arrangements are transparent and accessible to all.

Summary

House Bill 613 is a legislative proposal directed at enhancing the accessibility of voting systems within cities and towns. The bill stipulates that city and town clerks must notify the public, as well as the secretary of state, if accessible voting machines will not be available for an upcoming election. Such notifications are crucial to ensure that voters who require these machines are properly informed in advance. This aim is to foster inclusivity for registered voters with disabilities or those who necessitate assistance in the voting process.

Contention

One notable aspect of HB 613 is the requirement for voters to notify their clerks of their intent to use accessible voting systems at least 60 days ahead of an election. Critics may argue that this stipulation could impose an undue burden on voters who may not be aware of such requirements or those who face obstacles in promptly notifying clerks. Proponents of the bill, however, maintain that these measures ensure adequate planning and resources for accessible voting, ultimately leading to a more equitable election process.