Bill > HB1342

This bill establishes new rules for accessing voting records of absentee and UOCAVA (Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act) voters in New Hampshire. UOCAVA is a federal law that protects voting rights for military members and overseas citizens. The bill specifies that certain public records will be available for inspection, including a voter's name, U.S. address, mailing address, municipality, voter identification number, ballot request and issuance dates, and ballot status. However, for military service members, the bill prohibits disclosing their overseas mailing address, telephone number, and electronic contact information. The bill strictly mandates that no record can reveal how an individual actually voted. Election officials must make these records available within one business day of a request and the secretary of state will develop rules for secure public access. To ensure compliance, the bill establishes penalties for election officials who fail to make these records available, including a civil fine of up to $1,000 for the first offense and potential misdemeanor charges for subsequent violations. The new regulations will take effect on January 1, 2027, giving election officials time to prepare for the changes.

Government Affairs

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_Status/billinfo.aspx?id=2164&inflect=2