The bill HB 1569-FN proposes significant changes to New Hampshire's voter registration and identification laws. It eliminates the use of voter affidavits as a form of identification and removes exceptions for voter identification, thereby requiring voters to present specific types of documentation to prove citizenship, age, domicile, and identity. The bill repeals and reenacts RSA 654:7, detailing the voter registration form and requirements, and RSA 654:7-a, which pertains to registering at the polling place on election day. It also repeals and reenacts RSA 659:27 and RSA 659:27-a, which outline the procedures for challenging a voter's eligibility, requiring challenges to be made through a signed affidavit based on personal knowledge or probable cause.

The bill mandates that voters without valid photo identification must have their qualifications and identity verified by the supervisor of the checklist, and if identity cannot be established, the voter will not be allowed to vote but may appeal to the superior court. It also requires the secretary of state to post lists of educational institutions and provide training for supervisors of the checklist, as well as develop an informational pamphlet on obtaining a picture identification card for voting purposes. The town clerk must record details of each voter challenge and the ruling on each challenge. The bill repeals several statutes related to affidavit ballots and election procedure challenges and sets conditions for the expenditure of election funds. The act will take effect 60 days after its passage, with an approval date of September 12, 2024, and an effective date of November 11, 2024.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 659:13, 5:6-d
Version adopted by both bodies: 659:13, 5:6-d
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 659:13, 5:6-d