This bill modifies the eligibility criteria for absentee voting in New Hampshire by requiring voters to either be absent from their registered town or city on election day or be physically disabled and unable to vote in person. The existing law, RSA 657:1, is repealed and reenacted to reflect this change, emphasizing that only those who meet these specific conditions can request an absentee ballot. Additionally, the bill mandates that the clerk's office must be open for absentee ballot applications and returns on the day before the election, enhancing accessibility for voters.

Furthermore, the bill amends several sections of the law, including RSA 656:33, RSA 657:4, and RSA 657:7, by deleting references to "religious observance" as a valid reason for absentee voting. The certification statement for absentee ballot submissions is also updated to remove options related to work commitments, caring for dependents, or religious observance, replacing them with criteria that allow certification for absence due to disability or confinement for misdemeanors. The bill also requires absentee ballots to be returned in appropriately sized envelopes and mandates the Secretary of State, with the Attorney General's approval, to provide explanatory materials to facilitate the absentee voting process. The act is set to take effect 60 days after its passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 656:33, 657:4, 657:7