This bill amends existing laws regarding the composition and conduct of boards of recount for elections involving select boards and school boards. It specifically prohibits candidates for these boards from serving on the board of recount in elections where they are on the ballot. The bill modifies RSA 671:32, II to replace the school board members with the select board members in the composition of the board of recount, while also allowing the school district moderator to appoint assistants who will have the same powers as recount officials. Additionally, it introduces a new section, RSA 671:32-a, which outlines the rights of recount applicants and their assistants to observe and participate in the recount process, including the ability to protest ballot counts.

Furthermore, the bill amends RSA 669:32 to similarly adjust the composition of the board of recount for town elections, replacing selectmen with school board members and reiterating the prohibition against candidates serving on the board. The new section RSA 669:32-a mirrors the provisions in RSA 671:32-a, ensuring that recount applicants can protest ballot counts and that discrepancies during the recount do not lead to a second recount application. The act is set to take effect 60 days after its passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 671:32, 669:32