This bill amends current law to allow the processing of absentee ballots to begin up to one week before election day. Specifically, it modifies RSA 659:49-b, permitting the moderator or their designee to open absentee ballot outer envelopes no more than one week prior to the established time for processing absentee ballots, as outlined in RSA 659:49. The bill stipulates that this opening must occur in public, with prior notice given regarding the time and place. However, it maintains that the ballot itself must remain secured within the inner envelope until the official processing occurs.

Additionally, the bill removes the previous requirement that outer envelopes could only be opened on election day. This change aims to streamline the absentee ballot process and potentially reduce delays in counting votes. The act is set to take effect 60 days after its passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 659:49-b