This bill proposes changes to the handling of absentee ballot envelopes prior to election day. Specifically, it amends RSA 659:49-b to allow the moderator or the moderator's designee to open absentee ballot outer envelopes on the Monday before election day, provided this is done in public with proper notice. The bill stipulates that the inner envelope containing the ballot shall not be removed at this time and must be secured until processed according to RSA 659:50. Additionally, the bill introduces new steps to be taken after the outer envelope is opened: the affidavit on the inner envelope must be examined for the voter's signature, the voter's name announced, an opportunity for a challenge given, and the voter's name highlighted on the checklist to facilitate ballot processing on election day. It also specifies that challenges cannot be made after the checklist notation if absentee ballots are partially processed before election day.

The bill also amends RSA 659:52 concerning the opening of the absentee ballot itself. If the ballot is not challenged, the moderator is to open the envelope, remove the ballot without unfolding or examining it, and preserve the affidavit with other ballots. The moderator must then mark the checklist with "A.V." in red ink, draw a thin red line through the voter's last name using a ruler or straight edge, and during a primary election, indicate the political party ballot selected by undeclared voters. The ballot is then deposited in the ballot box. The act is set to take effect upon its passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 659:49-b, 659:52