This bill amends the process for filling vacancies in candidate nominations for primary elections when no declaration is filed. It specifies that if a candidate does not file a declaration, the chairperson of the appropriate party committee or their designee must notify the secretary of state in writing about the designated person to fill the vacancy. The designated individual is required to file a declaration of candidacy with the secretary of state within 10 business days following the close of the candidate filing period, as established by RSA 655:14. Additionally, if the designated candidate has previously filed for an incompatible office, they must withdraw that prior filing.

The bill also modifies the deadline for filing the appropriate affidavit for candidates designated for the offices of governor, councilor, state senator, or state representative. The previous requirement to file by the "Wednesday following the period for filing declarations of candidacy" has been changed to the "second Friday following the period." The bill will take effect in two parts: Section 2 will become effective on January 1, 2028, while the remainder of the act will take effect upon passage, which is June 11, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 655:14
As Amended by the Senate: 655:32
Version adopted by both bodies: 655:32
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 655:32
HB1381 text: 655:14