Requiring municipalities to post a copy of election return forms on their websites and in public locations.
Impact
Should SB 16 be enacted, it will amend existing laws under RSA 659:73 to include specific requirements for municipalities regarding the dissemination of election return forms. By mandating public posting on official municipal websites and social media platforms, the bill ensures that vital election information is easily accessible to constituents. This requirement could lead to increased public scrutiny and confidence in the electoral process by allowing residents to verify election results directly from their local government sources.
Summary
Senate Bill 16, known as 'An Act requiring municipalities to post a copy of election return forms on their websites and in public locations', aims to enhance transparency in the electoral process. By mandating that city or town clerks post the election return forms within seven days of an election, the bill intends to provide citizens with timely access to essential election data, thereby encouraging accountability and engagement at the municipal level. This legislative move emphasizes the importance of making election-related information readily available to the public, promoting an informed electorate.
Contention
While the bill has the potential to improve transparency, it may also encounter pushback from municipalities concerning compliance requirements and costs associated with maintaining additional online postings. Critics may argue that the added burden could strain local resources, particularly in smaller communities with limited staff or technological capabilities. Furthermore, the overall efficacy of this transparency measure might be debated, with some questioning whether posting forms online will significantly enhance public understanding or trust in election outcomes.
Relative to the determination of parental rights and responsibilities based on shared parenting and requiring all municipalities and school governing bodies to post on their official website the amount of funds received by the state either by allocation or grant.
Relating to election reform and ballot reconciliation. Providing that requirements for elections shall include provisions and penalties in regard to ballot reconciliation, access, retention, polling location limits, poll workers, allowance of registered voters for post-election ballot viewing, ballot lot and voting documentation viewing, and scanning and recording photographically during citizen audits.