This bill, SB 222, proposes to change the state primary election date in New Hampshire from the second Tuesday in September to the second Tuesday in June of every even-numbered year. It amends various sections of the New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated (RSA), specifically RSA 653:8, which will now reflect the new June date. Additionally, the bill modifies the timing for voter registration sessions and the filing of nomination papers, shifting references from June to March in several sections, including RSA 654:32, RSA 654:34, and RSA 655:14. The new timeline requires candidates to submit their nomination papers 15 weeks before the state general election, rather than 5 weeks before the primary, and mandates that the secretary of state notify the ballot law commission regarding any objections to nomination papers.

The bill is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, and does not include any new funding or positions. The Department of State has indicated that the transition to the new primary date will not incur additional costs for election official training or updating election materials, as these processes are already managed. However, a voter education outreach campaign may be necessary to inform the public about the date change, which could lead to indeterminable fiscal impacts. Overall, while the bill does not specify insertions or deletions in legal language, it clearly outlines the new primary date and the responsibilities of the Department of State in managing the transition, with minimal expected financial impact.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 653:8, 654:32, 654:34, 655:14, 655:21, 655:26
As Amended by the Senate: 653:8, 654:32, 654:34, 655:14, 655:21, 655:26, 655:41, 655:43, 655:44, 654:27