This bill amends the election process for county commissioners in Strafford County, changing the current system from electing one commissioner from each district to a system where all three commissioners are elected at large by the entire county's voters. Specifically, it modifies RSA 653:1, VI(c) to state that "3 county commissioners shall be elected by all the voters of the county," replacing the previous language that designated one commissioner per district. Additionally, the introductory paragraph of RSA 662:4 is amended to clarify that, "Except for Strafford county where 3 county commissioners shall be elected at large," the other counties will continue to have districts for commissioner elections.

The bill also includes provisions that ensure the changes do not affect the current commissioners' terms or constituencies. The new election structure will be implemented for the 2026 state general election, while any vacancies prior to that election will be filled according to the existing laws for Strafford County commissioners as they were defined for the 2024 state general election. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 653:1, 662:4