This bill establishes a procedure for local election officials and the Secretary of State to verify the citizenship of voters who lack documentary proof of citizenship. It introduces a new paragraph to RSA 654:12, allowing individuals who claim to be qualified to vote but cannot provide documentation to request verification of their citizenship through the Secretary of State's office. If verification is successful, local officials will note this on the voter's registration application. Additionally, for those who assert they are indigent and unable to provide documentation, the bill allows for the issuance of vouchers to cover the cost of obtaining a birth certificate or equivalent proof of citizenship. The Secretary of State is required to reimburse municipalities for these vouchers.

The bill also includes an appropriation of $50,000 for the biennium ending June 30, 2027, to support the reimbursement of local municipalities for the costs associated with these vouchers. The Secretary of State will need to coordinate with various agencies to verify citizenship and administer the voucher program, which may necessitate hiring additional staff. The bill aims to ensure that indigent voters can meet citizenship requirements without financial burden while maintaining the integrity of the voting process.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 654:12
As Amended by the House: 654:12
Version adopted by both bodies: 654:12