Bill > HB418

This bill narrows the eligibility criteria for absentee voting in New Hampshire, specifically limiting absentee ballot access to voters who are either absent from their town or city on election day or who are disabled and unable to vote in person. The legislation removes several previous absentee voting justifications, including absence due to religious observance, employment obligations, childcare responsibilities, and weather-related concerns. Under the new law, voters can only request an absentee ballot if they will be out of town on election day, have a disability preventing in-person voting, are confined in a penal institution for a misdemeanor, or are awaiting trial. The bill also modifies related administrative processes, such as updating absentee ballot application forms and affidavit envelopes to reflect the new, more restrictive eligibility requirements. Additionally, the bill mandates that town clerk offices be open to receive absentee ballot applications and ballots on the day before an election for a minimum of two hours, with provisions for trained personnel to handle these transactions. The changes will take effect 60 days after the bill's passage, potentially impacting voter accessibility in future elections.

Government Affairs

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_docket.aspx?lsr=0755&sy=2025&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2025&txtbillnumber=HB418