Bill > SB213

This bill modifies New Hampshire's absentee voting regulations by changing the standard for absentee voting to "more likely than not" that a voter will be absent from their voting location on election day. The bill requires voters to provide comprehensive proof of identity, citizenship, age, and domicile when applying for an absentee ballot, which represents a significant expansion of documentation requirements. Specifically, applicants must now submit documents like birth certificates, passports, or naturalization papers, along with government-issued photo identification or utility bills to verify their information. The bill also updates absentee ballot application forms to reflect these new standards, adding more detailed registration status options and requiring voters to specify how they qualify to vote by absentee ballot. For example, voters must now check a box indicating it is "more likely than not" that they will be absent on election day, rather than simply stating they plan to be absent. The legislation aims to strengthen voter verification processes and potentially reduce opportunities for voter fraud by imposing more rigorous documentation and qualification standards for absentee voting. The bill will take effect 60 days after its passage, giving election officials and voters time to adapt to the new requirements.

Government Affairs

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_docket.aspx?lsr=1059&sy=2025&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2025&txtbillnumber=SB213