This bill amends the absentee ballot voting process by requiring voters to provide documentation that proves their citizenship, age, domicile, and identity to qualify for voting. Specifically, it introduces new legal language that mandates absentee voters to submit copies of the documentation required by RSA 654:12 alongside their absentee registration affidavit. The affidavit must now include a statement affirming that the applicant is a U.S. citizen and that they will be at least 18 years old on election day. Additionally, the bill specifies that if the required documentation is not provided, the application shall not be approved, replacing the previous language that stated the application may not be approved.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the submission process for absentee registration affidavits, requiring applicants to forward their affidavits with supporting documentation to the town or city clerk. It also clarifies the verification process for in-person absentee voters, stating that voters must show a photo ID to be treated as verified. The bill removes previous language regarding the comparison of signatures for voters who do not present a qualified photo ID, ensuring that their signatures will be compared to those on the absentee ballot affidavit on election day. The act is set to take effect 60 days after its passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 654:17, 654:19, 657:17-a