This bill allows school districts the option to adopt partisan elections for their district officers, diverging from the current non-partisan system. It amends various sections of RSA 671 to facilitate this change, including provisions for filing candidacy, preparation of ballots, and the conduct of elections. Specifically, it introduces new legal language that outlines the requirements for both partisan and non-partisan ballot systems, including the process for adopting or rescinding the partisan system through a vote at school district meetings. The bill also clarifies that references to towns or town clerks in existing laws will now apply to school districts and their clerks.

Key amendments include the addition of RSA 671:30-a, which establishes the partisan ballot system, and RSA 671:30-b and 671:30-c, which detail the methods for adopting and rescinding this system. The bill also modifies RSA 195:19-a to ensure cooperative school board elections utilize the official ballot system. The effective date of the act is set for 60 days after its passage. Overall, the bill aims to provide school districts with greater flexibility in their electoral processes while ensuring that the necessary legal frameworks are in place for both partisan and non-partisan elections.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 671:19, 671:20, 671:30, 195:19-a