This bill, SB 438, amends existing laws in New Hampshire regarding voter registration and the management of the statewide centralized voter registration database. It mandates that the secretary of state and local clerks ensure that every polling place has access to this database during election days, specifically during polling hours. The bill includes new provisions in RSA 654:12, VI for direct or indirect access to the database to assist voters in proving their citizenship, age, domicile, and identity. It clarifies that a lack of data will not disqualify a voter, placing the onus on the applicant to provide additional proof of qualifications as necessary.

Additionally, the bill revises RSA 654:45 to require the secretary of state to maintain the voter registration database, ensuring it is up-to-date and protected against duplicate registrations. It establishes that election officials will have immediate electronic access to the database, with the office of the clerk designated as a primary access point. The bill also emphasizes the confidentiality of the voter database, stating it is not subject to public disclosure laws and outlines penalties for unauthorized disclosure. Furthermore, it introduces a provision for sharing motor vehicle records relevant to voter registration with local election officials and requires annual checks of voter records with the United States Postal Service starting July 1, 2022. The act is set to take effect on July 30, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 654:25
As Amended by the Senate: 654:45
As Amended by the House: 654:12, 654:45, 260:14
Version adopted by both bodies: 654:12, 654:45, 260:14
SB438 text: 654:25