This bill amends existing laws regarding the composition and conduct of boards of recount for elections involving the select board and school board. It specifically prohibits candidates for these boards from serving on the board of recount in any election 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 establishes that no member of the board of recount may be a candidate for office or have authority over ballot warrant articles.

Furthermore, the bill 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. It allows them to protest the counting of ballots, with the moderator required to rule on such protests and document the decisions. The bill also amends RSA 669:32 to ensure that the board of recount is composed of the clerk, the moderator, and school board members, while reiterating the prohibition against candidates serving on the board. The effective date of the act is set for 60 days after its passage.

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