This bill amends RSA 659:49-b to allow the opening of absentee ballot outer envelopes up to one week before election day, rather than only on election day as previously stipulated. The new legal language specifies that the moderator or their designee may authorize this early opening, provided it is done publicly with prior notice of the time and place. However, the inner envelope containing the ballot must remain secured within the outer envelope until the official processing time, as outlined in RSA 659:50.

Additionally, the bill includes a provision for its effective date, stating that it will take effect 60 days after its passage. This change aims to streamline the absentee ballot process and ensure that ballots can be prepared for counting in a timely manner, enhancing the efficiency of the electoral process.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 659:49-b