This bill amends existing election laws to allow election moderators and other officials to access the area designated for counting votes while performing their duties. Specifically, it modifies RSA 659:58 regarding the disqualification of election officials who are also candidates for office. The bill removes the restriction that such officials cannot remain in the counting area during the counting of votes for the office they are a candidate for, and instead allows them to be present as long as they are not involved in the tabulation of those votes. The language has been updated to clarify that these officials can perform other duties assigned by the moderator while disqualified from tabulating votes.

Additionally, the bill introduces new language to ensure that disqualified officials, including moderators, can still fulfill other responsibilities within the guardrails of the counting area. The changes emphasize the importance of maintaining the integrity of the election process while allowing for the necessary presence of election officials in the counting area. The act is set to take effect 60 days after its passage, with an effective date of August 18, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 659:58
As Amended by the Senate: 659:58
Version adopted by both bodies: 659:58
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 659:58
HB1266 text: 659:58