This bill mandates that towns and cities must provide a minimum of one polling location for every 15,000 registered voters during general elections that include the election for President of the United States. The new section, RSA 658:11-a, outlines the requirements for polling places, stating that if a town or city wishes to operate a single polling location for more than 15,000 registered voters, they must submit a detailed plan for approval by the secretary of state and the attorney general. This plan must address various logistical considerations, including traffic flow, law enforcement availability, parking, and the number of election workers and equipment.
Additionally, the bill allows the secretary of state and the attorney general to request further information during the review process and may impose specific conditions for approval to ensure efficient voting and minimize delays. The act is set to take effect 180 days after its passage, with an effective date of September 16, 2026. The bill aims to enhance voter accessibility and streamline the electoral process during presidential elections.