This bill amends RSA 656:40 to allow the legislative body of any municipality, specifically the mayor and aldermen of cities or the legislative body of towns, to authorize or rescind the use of electronic ballot counting devices, subject to the approval of the ballot law commission. The bill introduces new provisions that require towns that have adopted an official ballot to use that ballot for voting on the authorization or rescission of electronic ballot counting devices. It specifies the wording for the questions posed to voters regarding the authorization and rescission of these devices. Additionally, if a town has not adopted an official ballot, the clerk must print the same question on special ballots for the vote.

The bill also includes provisions for towns or cities to lease or purchase electronic ballot counting devices approved by the ballot law commission and mandates that they notify the secretary of state regarding their actions. The use of these devices will remain valid until rescinded. The bill further stipulates that in the event of a special state election in a municipality that has adopted these provisions, the secretary of state may issue paper ballots for that election. The act will take effect 60 days after its passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 656:40
HB1076 text: 656:40