This bill changes the date of the state primary election from September to the second Tuesday in March. It also creates a run-off election in the event that no state primary candidate reaches 50 percent of the total vote. The bill amends several sections of current law to reflect these changes. The Department of State indicates that there will be an indeterminable fiscal impact to General Fund expenditures starting in FY 2024, as the cost of the run-off election will vary depending on the number of run-off elections, the office, and the size of the district. The New Hampshire Municipal Association states that there will be an indeterminable increase in local expenditures in FY 2024 and FY 2026, as most towns and cities will likely see an increase in expenditures due to the combination of the state primary and "town meeting day" occurring on the same day, as well as the run-off election requiring additional staffing, polling locations, wages or overtime, and equipment.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 653:8, 654:32, 654:34, 655:14, 655:21, 655:26, 659:86