This bill allows school districts in the state to decide whether to adopt partisan elections for school district offices. It amends existing laws to clarify the procedures for filing candidacies and conducting elections under both non-partisan and partisan systems. Specifically, it modifies RSA 671:19 to state that for districts using a non-partisan ballot system, the provisions for non-partisan town elections will apply, while for those adopting a partisan ballot system, the provisions for partisan town elections will apply. Additionally, it introduces a new section, RSA 671:19-a, which outlines additional requirements for cooperative school districts that adopt a partisan ballot system, including the process for nominations and vote counting.

The bill also includes provisions for the preparation of ballots, the method of adopting or rescinding the partisan ballot system, and updates to the composition of cooperative school boards and public meeting regulations. Notably, it changes references from "non-partisan" to "official" ballot systems and clarifies that the partisan ballot system can be adopted or rescinded through a vote at school district meetings. The act will take effect 60 days after its passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 671:19, 671:20, 671:30, 195:19-a
As Amended by the House: 671:19, 671:20, 671:30, 195:19-a, 91-A:2
Version adopted by both bodies: 671:19, 671:20, 671:30, 195:19-a, 91-A:2