Bill > HB340

This bill establishes clear guidelines for electioneering by public employees in New Hampshire, defining the term "electioneer" as any action designed to influence voter decisions, such as distributing campaign materials, making political statements, organizing political events, or using official authority to affect voting. The bill prohibits public employees from engaging in electioneering while performing official duties and from using government property or equipment for political purposes. However, the legislation allows for certain neutral activities, including lawful participation in public events, voter registration drives focused on election awareness, and providing factual candidate information from official documents. Public employees are permitted to participate in political activities in a strictly neutral manner, such as announcing election dates or polling locations without referencing specific candidates or measures. Any violation of these provisions would be considered a misdemeanor. The bill will take effect on January 1, 2026, and is intended to maintain the impartiality of public employees during election periods while preserving their basic rights to political engagement.

Government Affairs

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_status.aspx?lsr=0651&sy=2025&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2025&txtbillnumber=HB340