This bill proposes significant amendments to existing election laws to enhance electoral integrity and transparency. Key changes include the prohibition of candidates from participating in ballot counting, with exceptions for specific roles such as moderator and clerk, as stated in the revised RSA 658:31. Additionally, the bill allows the use of personal information from other state agencies to verify voter eligibility, linking voter registration with vital records and the Department of Safety, while ensuring that this information is not retained for purposes beyond verification. The bill also requires political committees to report low-value campaign donations itemized if their receipts or expenditures exceed $1,000, clarifying that this threshold does not apply to renewed committees.

Moreover, the bill introduces measures to protect the confidentiality of small contributors, ensuring that donations of $50 or less remain exempt from public disclosure. It simplifies reporting for campaign donations collected at events where individual contributions do not exceed $25. The bill also mandates the reporting of errors in voter and safety department data to the secretary of state. Additional amendments address the preparation of jury lists and the management of motor vehicle and vital records for voter registration. Political committees must register with the secretary of state and adhere to specific reporting requirements, including a $50 administration fee. The effective dates for various provisions of the bill vary, with some taking effect as early as December 31, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 658:31
As Amended by the House: 658:31
As Amended by the Senate: 658:31, 654:45, 654:12, 664:6, 500-A:2, 263:40-a, 5-C:9, 664:3