This bill proposes significant amendments to election law by changing all references from "votes" to "ballots" to enhance clarity and consistency in the legal framework governing elections, as requested by the secretary of state. Key changes include the requirement for political organizations to gather nomination papers from registered voters equaling 3 percent of the total ballots cast in the previous state general election. The bill also revises provisions related to write-in candidates and recount procedures, ensuring that candidates must meet thresholds based on total ballots cast rather than votes.

Additionally, the bill modifies the recount process and associated fees, specifically amending sections such as RSA 660:6 and RSA 669:31 to reflect the new terminology. It establishes that if a candidate applies for a recount and loses by a margin of less than one percent of the total ballots cast, any excess fees paid will be refunded within ten days. The recount fee is set at $10 for margins under one percent, with increasing fees for larger margins. Furthermore, if a candidate is declared elected as a result of the recount, all application fees will be refunded, and it clarifies that multiple recount applications for the same office will not lead to additional recounts. The bill is set to take effect on June 17, 2025.

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