Bill > HB498

This bill modifies New Hampshire's election law regarding the distribution of absentee ballot applications by requiring the secretary of state to wait until 45 days before an election before sending absentee ballot application forms to city and town clerks. The bill mandates that the secretary of state must keep a detailed record of when and how these applications are sent, including the number of applications distributed. Currently, there is no specified timeframe for when absentee ballot applications can be sent out, so this bill introduces a new restriction to limit the window of distribution. The purpose appears to be to reduce the potential for early ballot application distribution and potentially minimize confusion or premature election-related communications. The bill will take effect 60 days after its passage, giving local election officials time to adjust to the new requirements. While a complete fiscal impact assessment is pending, the bill represents a procedural change to the state's election administration process.

Government Affairs

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_status.aspx?lsr=0484&sy=2025&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2025&txtbillnumber=HB498