This bill introduces a new provision allowing towns and school districts to include candidates' party affiliations on official ballots. Specifically, it amends RSA 669 by adding a new section, 669:13-a, which permits towns that have adopted an official ballot system to vote on whether to display each candidate's party affiliation after their name on the ballot. The party affiliation will be indicated using the first three letters of the party's name or marked as “(UND)” for candidates without a declared party. Candidates can also choose to waive the inclusion of their party affiliation. If a majority of voters approve this measure during a town meeting, the party affiliations will be included on future ballots until rescinded or if an unofficial ballot system is adopted.

Additionally, the bill amends RSA 671:20 to allow school districts to adopt similar provisions regarding party affiliations on their official ballots. School districts can also vote to rescind this option in a manner similar to towns. The bill ensures that the party affiliation displayed is based on the candidate's registration at the time of candidacy declaration. The act will take effect 60 days after its passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 671:20
As Amended by the House: 671:20
HB1272 text: 671:20