Bill > HB420

This bill enhances the security and tracking of election ballots by making several specific changes to existing New Hampshire election laws. The Secretary of State will now be required to provide reusable security containers with locking mechanisms and serialized proprietary frangible paper seals for ballot storage. When election ballots are delivered to town or city clerks, the containers must be sealed, locked, and logged, with a detailed record maintained specifying the location and status of each container. The bill also mandates that when ballots are forwarded to the Secretary of State for a recount or upon request, the chain of custody must be meticulously documented, including the exact time and date of transfer and receipt. These provisions aim to improve the transparency and integrity of ballot handling by creating a more robust tracking system that limits access to ballots and provides a clear audit trail from the moment polls close until potential recounts or ballot destruction. The new regulations will take effect 60 days after the bill's passage, giving local election officials time to prepare and implement the new protocols.

Government Affairs

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_docket.aspx?lsr=0726&sy=2025&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2025&txtbillnumber=HB420