This bill proposes significant amendments to election laws by replacing the term "votes" with "ballots" in various sections of the Revised Statutes Annotated (RSA), including RSA 655:42, RSA 659:88, RSA 659:91-a, RSA 660:1, RSA 660:2, and RSA 660:3. The intent of these changes is to enhance clarity and consistency in election terminology, particularly regarding the number of registered voters needed for nominations and the thresholds for write-in votes, which will now be determined based on total ballots cast.

Additionally, the bill revises the recount process, detailing the conditions under which candidates can request a recount and the associated fees, which are now structured based on the margin of difference between the candidate's ballots and those of the declared winner. It establishes a tiered fee system for recounts, mandates the return of excess fees if the recount margin is less than one percent, and clarifies that no second recount will occur if multiple candidates apply for the same office. The bill is set to take effect on June 17, 2025, following its passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 655:42, 659:88, 659:91-a, 660:1, 660:2, 660:3, 660:6, 669:31
As Amended by the Senate: 655:42, 659:88, 659:91-a, 660:1, 660:2, 660:3, 660:6, 669:31
As Amended by the House: 655:42, 659:88, 659:91-a, 660:1, 660:2, 660:3, 660:6, 669:31
Version adopted by both bodies: 655:42, 659:88, 659:91-a, 660:1, 660:2, 660:3, 660:6, 669:31
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 655:42, 659:88, 659:91-a, 660:1, 660:2, 660:3, 660:6, 669:31