This bill amends the current law regarding the counting of write-in votes in towns or cities that utilize ballot counting devices approved by the ballot law commission. Specifically, it allows moderators to use the printed or digitally displayed images from these devices to count write-in votes instead of manually examining each ballot. However, a significant change introduced by this bill is the requirement for a second witness, who must also be a sworn-in election official, to be present during this counting process.

The bill modifies RSA 659:64-a, I by inserting the provision that the counting of write-in votes using the device's images must occur in the presence of another sworn-in election official. This addition aims to enhance the transparency and integrity of the vote counting process. The bill is set to take effect 60 days after its passage, with an effective date of August 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 659:64-a
As Amended by the House: 659:64-a
Version adopted by both bodies: 659:64-a
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 659:64-a