Bill > SB438

This bill enables the New Hampshire Department of Safety and Secretary of State to develop a secure, confidential electronic process for sharing citizenship information and photo images of individuals applying for an enhanced identification card (REAL ID) for voter identification purposes. Under this bill, applicants would have the opportunity to voluntarily allow their photo and citizenship information to be shared with local election clerks, which can be used to satisfy proof of citizenship requirements for voting. The process includes several key safeguards: applicants can decline or withdraw consent at any time, requiring prompt removal of their information; the shared information must be transmitted within 3 days and captured at least 14 days before an election; and for electronic poll book jurisdictions, the information must be downloaded by the Friday before the election. The bill specifically clarifies that this process does not automatically register an applicant to vote or impact their voter registration status. The new information-sharing system is set to be implemented by January 1, 2027, and will allow election officials to add a citizenship status indicator to voter checklists when such information is received from the Secretary of State.

Government Affairs

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_Status/billinfo.aspx?id=1439&inflect=2