Bill > HB474

This bill modifies existing election law to require a second witness when counting write-in votes using a ballot counting device's printed or digital images. Specifically, the bill mandates that when a moderator uses a ballot counting device's images to tally write-in votes (instead of manually examining each individual ballot), another sworn-in election official must be present during the counting process. This provision applies to towns and cities using ballot counting devices that have been approved by the ballot law commission and can print or digitally display images of write-in votes. The purpose appears to be adding an extra layer of accountability and transparency to the vote-counting process for write-in ballots. The bill will take effect 60 days after its passage, giving local election officials time to prepare for the new requirement.

Government Affairs

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_docket.aspx?lsr=736&sy=2025&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2025&txtbillnumber=HB474