This bill proposes the creation of an online election information portal by the Secretary of State, in collaboration with various departments and local officials, to facilitate voter registration, absentee ballot requests, and updates to voter information in the statewide database. The portal is expected to be operational by January 1, 2024, and will be developed and maintained using funds from the Help America Vote Act of 2002 (HAVA). The bill also introduces a grant system for cities and towns to improve election security and technology, funded by HAVA, and removes the requirement for the Secretary of State to maintain a minimum balance in the election fund. The bill includes the creation of a new Program Assistant III position to support the portal and may require an additional position within the HAVA office. The bill is set to take effect 60 days after its passage.

The bill details the costs associated with the new election equipment grants, including electronic poll books, ballot counting devices, and secure laptops, with specific one-time and annual fees for each item. The fiscal impact of the grant program is uncertain due to variables such as the number of municipalities that will request new equipment and the potential for multiple device usage or non-participation. The maximum potential revenue for municipalities, if all 308 polling locations in New Hampshire were to require new equipment at maximum cost, is estimated at $3,888,500, but the actual cost is expected to be lower. The Department of Information Technology does not anticipate needing additional resources, while the Department of Safety expects an indeterminable increase in state expenditures. The New Hampshire Municipal Association has stated that the fiscal impact on municipalities is uncertain and revenues are considered "indeterminable."

Statutes affected:
As Amended by the House: 5:6-d