Bill > SB222

This bill moves New Hampshire's state primary election from the second Tuesday in September to the second Tuesday in June, which necessitates a series of corresponding changes to various election-related statutes. The bill adjusts multiple dates and deadlines related to party registration, candidate filing, nomination papers, and election procedures to align with the new primary date. Specifically, it changes the timeframe for supervisors of the checklist to hold sessions for voter registration changes, modifies the periods when voters can change party affiliations, adjusts candidate filing deadlines, and updates dates for hearing nomination paper objections and for the Ballot Law Commission to meet. The bill also includes gender-neutral language updates, such as replacing "he" with "he or she" or "they" in several sections. Importantly, the bill includes a delayed effective date of January 1, 2026, which suggests the legislation is designed to give election officials and political parties ample time to prepare for and adapt to the new primary election schedule.

Government Affairs

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_docket.aspx?lsr=423&sy=2025&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2025&txtbillnumber=SB222