This bill mandates that the governor must declare a special election to fill a vacancy for the office of state representative in a city ward or wards if the vacancy occurs between 56 and 77 days prior to a municipal primary. The bill amends RSA 661:8, IV, by inserting provisions that require the governor to act within 24 hours of receiving a request from the governing body of the city regarding such a vacancy.

Additionally, the bill maintains the existing requirement for the governor or the governor and council to declare a special election within 21 days after proof of a vacancy or a request to fill it. The new language specifically addresses the timeline for special elections related to state representative vacancies in city wards, ensuring a more expedited process in these particular circumstances. The act will take effect 60 days after its passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 661:8
HB1326 text: 661:8