This bill requires the secretary of state and local clerks to ensure that all polling places have access to the statewide centralized voter registration database during election days, specifically during polling hours. It amends RSA 654:12, VI to mandate "direct or indirect" access to the database, which will help voters prove their citizenship, age, domicile, and identity. The bill clarifies that a lack of data will not disqualify a voter, placing the onus on the applicant to provide additional proof if necessary. Additionally, it revises RSA 654:45 to mandate the secretary of state to plan, develop, and maintain the database, replacing previous authorization language, and establishes the clerk's office as a primary access point for the database.

Moreover, the bill introduces changes to enhance the management and security of the voter registration database. It mandates that the commissioner of safety and the secretary of state enter into an agreement for services, replacing previous authorization language. Access to the database for local election officials is limited and subject to strict privacy measures. The secretary of state is also required to conduct annual checks against USPS records for address changes and maintain security measures for the database. The bill allows for sharing voter information with other states to identify duplicate registrations and establishes a process for investigating duplicates, with findings reported to legislative leaders. A new provision allows motor vehicle records relevant to voter registration to be shared with local election officials. The act is set to take effect on July 30, 2026, with no fiscal impact on expenditures or revenue.

Statutes affected:
As Amended by the House: 654:12, 654:45, 260:14
As Amended by the House (2nd): 654:12, 654:45, 260:14