This bill introduces a prohibition on candidates appearing on the ballot from participating in the counting of ballots before the election. Specifically, it amends RSA 658:31 to include new language stating, "No person who appears on the ballot shall count ballots prior to the election." This change aims to ensure the integrity of the election process by preventing any potential conflicts of interest that may arise if candidates were involved in the ballot counting.

The bill also retains the existing procedures for counting ballots, which involve the town or ward clerk publicly breaking the seal of the ballot packages and overseeing the counting process with election officers and legal voters present. The effective date of the act is set for 60 days after its passage, allowing time for the necessary adjustments to be made in the election process.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 658:31