Bill > HB130

This bill modifies the existing law regarding the arrangement of candidate names on primary election ballots in New Hampshire, removing the previous exception for state representative elections. Under the new provision, whenever two or more candidates are seeking nomination for the same office, their names must be systematically rotated on the ballot so that each candidate's name appears at the top, bottom, and intermediate positions an approximately equal number of times. This approach aims to eliminate potential ballot position bias that could advantage candidates whose names consistently appear first on the ballot. The bill will take effect 60 days after its passage and may require significant administrative changes, including ballot design modifications, software upgrades for election systems, and potential reprogramming of electronic ballot counting devices. While the bill does not provide additional funding, it could incur indeterminate implementation costs for the state, primarily absorbed by the General Fund. The Department of State has indicated that these changes would necessitate comprehensive updates to ballot printing, distribution, testing, and training processes for local election officials.

Government Affairs

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_docket.aspx?lsr=0208&sy=2025&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2025&txtbillnumber=HB130