SB 213-FN introduces new regulations concerning electioneering by public employees and revises the absentee voting application process in New Hampshire. The bill defines "electioneering" and prohibits public employees from engaging in such activities while on duty or using government resources for electioneering purposes. It clarifies the definition of public employees and allows for certain permissible activities, such as participating in public events and providing neutral election information, while imposing penalties for violations. Additionally, the bill mandates that absentee ballot applicants provide proof of identity, citizenship, age, and domicile, updating the application form to reflect these requirements and replacing the term "Forms" with "Application Form."

Furthermore, the bill establishes new requirements for absentee ballot request forms, including the necessity for individuals distributing these forms to identify themselves and include an official copy prepared by the secretary of state, with penalties for non-compliance. It also introduces a witness affirmation requirement for voter registration applications, which must be signed by a Notary Public or Justice of the Peace. The penalties for voter fraud remain stringent, classifying false information during registration or voting as a class A misdemeanor, with civil penalties for fraudulent activities. The bill's effective date is immediate for Section 1, while the rest will take effect 60 days after passage, with an indeterminable fiscal impact on the judicial and correctional systems.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 657:4, 654:17, 657:1
Version adopted by both bodies: 657:4, 654:17