This bill amends the process for adopting partisan town elections to align it with the procedure for rescinding such elections. Specifically, it modifies RSA 669:12 and RSA 669:13 to establish that towns wishing to adopt a partisan official ballot system must do so through a ballot process, similar to the existing method for rescinding the system. The new language inserted clarifies that the adoption of the partisan ballot system will require a majority vote from qualified voters present at the town meeting, and it will not take effect until the subsequent town election.

Additionally, the bill introduces a new section, RSA 669:11-a, which outlines the process for towns to adopt an unofficial ballot system. This section specifies that towns with either a partisan or non-partisan ballot system can transition to an unofficial ballot system through a ballot question presented at a town meeting. The bill also removes certain phrases regarding rescinding actions from the existing law, replacing them with the new procedures. The act is set to take effect 60 days after its passage, on September 13, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 669:12, 669:13
As Amended by the House: 669:11, 669:12, 669:13
Version adopted by both bodies: 669:11, 669:12, 669:13
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 669:11, 669:12, 669:13