This bill modifies the process for adopting partisan town elections to align it with the procedure for rescinding such elections. Specifically, it amends 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 vote, similar to the process for rescinding the system. The new legal 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 procedure for towns to adopt an unofficial ballot system. This section mandates that towns wishing to implement this system must present the question to voters on an official or specially prepared ballot, requiring a majority vote for adoption. The bill also removes previous language that allowed towns to rescind the adoption of these systems in a similar manner, instead specifying that the same procedures for adoption will apply to rescinding. The act is set to take effect 60 days after its passage.

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