This bill amends the absentee voting process in New Hampshire by introducing new requirements for voters to provide documentation that verifies their citizenship, age, domicile, and identity. Specifically, it inserts a mandate for voters to submit copies of relevant documentation as outlined in RSA 654:12, which establishes these qualifications. Additionally, the bill modifies the absentee registration affidavit to include a statement affirming the voter's citizenship and stipulates that applications lacking the required documentation will not be approved. The bill also removes the previous requirement for absentee ballots to be placed in outer envelopes unless mailed to town or city clerks, thereby streamlining the process.

Moreover, the bill clarifies the verification process for in-person absentee voters, requiring them to present photo identification or complete a challenged voter affidavit. Key insertions include the requirement for voters to provide their printed name and address on absentee ballot envelopes, and the specification that absentee ballots returned in person do not need outer envelopes. It also outlines that if documents are submitted via mail, they must be enclosed in the outer envelope containing the absentee ballot, while hand-delivered documents are exempt from this requirement. The bill further allows voters or their assistants to mail the absentee ballot and affidavit within the outer envelope and mandates clerks to attach the absentee ballot application to the outer envelope upon receipt. These changes aim to enhance the integrity and clarity of the absentee voting process, with the act set to take effect 60 days after passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 657:7, 657:16, 657:17, 657:18, 659:50, 659:49-b
As Amended by the House: 654:17, 654:19, 657:17-a
Version adopted by both bodies: 654:17, 654:19, 657:17-a, 657:7, 657:16, 657:17, 657:18
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 654:17, 654:19, 657:17-a, 657:7, 657:16, 657:17, 657:18