Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs [Source] Translate

The Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs Committee meeting began with the introduction of House Bill 158, which addresses absentee ballots and their distribution in New Hampshire. The prime sponsor highlighted the bill's goal to analyze absentee ballot distribution patterns, particularly noting instances of multiple ballots sent to the same address, especially at universities. The bill proposes that the Secretary of State compile a list of the top 20 addresses where ballots were sent within 60 days post-election. Senator Long raised questions about the nature of some out-of-state addresses, but specific details were not available, leading to concerns about data accuracy. Next, House Bill 281 was presented by Bob Wary, aiming to amend RSA 657:15 to provide absentee voter applicant lists in a more user-friendly electronic format, which would aid campaign efforts and audits by including voter address information. The committee discussed the need for collaboration among sponsors of competing bills and the importance of addressing concerns regarding the format of absentee voter lists. The committee reviewed and passed several amendments, including one clarifying the governing body responsible for roll call votes on spending caps in towns. House Bill 463 was introduced, proposing that recounts for elections be conducted by individuals not involved in the election to ensure impartiality. A proposed bill regarding election recounts suggested that if a school district or town requires a recount, the other entity would assist, preventing candidates from conducting their own recounts. Sarah Burke Cohen from the New Hampshire Municipal Association opposed this bill, citing transparency and logistical concerns, particularly regarding cooperative school districts and the unclear terminology of "ballot warrant article." The public hearing concluded with eight individuals supporting the bill and one opposing it. The committee then moved into executive session, discussing amendments to Senate Bill 586 and agreeing on Amendment 0709S. House Bill 365 aimed to streamline the process for verifying voter citizenship, allowing local election officials to access various databases and providing a voucher system for those unable to afford birth certificates. Sarah Ortiz from Open Democracy opposed this bill, arguing it adds bureaucracy and uncertainty, particularly for same-day registrants, and criticized the requirement for voters to disclose financial hardship to obtain a voucher. Concerns were raised about a bill related to voter registration and access to ballots for same-day registrants, particularly regarding its effectiveness. While the bill allows the Secretary of State to access databases for citizenship verification, questions arose about the definition of "reasonable efforts" and access to necessary records. Participants expressed that the bill's wording could lead to inconsistent interpretations and potentially disenfranchise eligible voters. During the executive session, a motion was made to pass the bill, with some members supporting it as a step towards improving voter access, while others raised concerns about potential interference with election duties. The motion to pass the bill was approved, with intentions to propose future amendments. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn after addressing all business.