This bill amends existing voter registration laws to require undeclared voters to declare a party affiliation at least four months prior to a state primary election. The bill modifies RSA 654:34, II-V, specifically changing the timeframe in which a person can affiliate with a party or disaffiliate from a party before a state primary election. The new legal language inserted into the current law states that no person who is already registered to vote but not affiliated with any party shall affiliate with a party within four months of the state primary election. Additionally, the bill stipulates that no person who is already registered and affiliated with a party shall change their party affiliation during the same period.

The fiscal impact of the bill is indeterminate. The Department of State anticipates a one-time increase in General Fund expenditures to educate voters about the new requirements, which may include hiring a temporary staff member to coordinate the educational campaign. As of September 29, 2022, 36% of registered voters in New Hampshire were undeclared. The New Hampshire Municipal Association notes that there may be an indeterminable impact on local expenditures due to changes in municipal clerk processes to accommodate the expected increase in undeclared voters affiliating with a party at least four months prior to the state primary. The act is set to take effect 60 days after its passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 654:34, 654:34-a