This bill amends the process for candidates filing for state representative in a special election by allowing them to file their candidacy with their town or city clerk for a period of 3 days. The existing legal language in RSA 655:81, III is repealed and replaced with new provisions that stipulate candidates may file with their local clerk, who is then responsible for forwarding the declaration to the secretary of state on the same day it is filed. Additionally, if the clerk's office is not open for at least 3 days during the filing week, they must provide contact information for an authorized election official who can accept the declaration.

The bill also mandates that the town or city clerks' office must post their hours of operation during the filing period, along with any additional contact information, on the secretary of state's website. This change aims to streamline the filing process for candidates and ensure that they have access to the necessary resources to submit their candidacy in a timely manner. The act is set to take effect 60 days after its passage, with an effective date of September 8, 2026.