Bill > HB1429

This bill allows moderators at polling places to pause ballot counting under specific circumstances, specifically when counting is expected to continue past midnight. If a moderator decides to pause counting, they can do so no earlier than 11:00 p.m. and must announce when and where vote counting will resume the next morning. The bill requires strict protocols for maintaining ballot security during the pause, including preserving all work-in-progress documents, securely storing ballots with at least two election officials or one official and one police officer present overnight, and completing a chain of custody form signed by relevant officials. Up to five members of the public may observe the overnight storage area, and the local select board or school board must record the scene with time-stamped audio and video, attempting to live broadcast the scene if possible. The legislation aims to provide a structured approach to managing prolonged ballot counting processes while maintaining transparency and security. The bill will take effect 60 days after passage, and while it does not provide additional funding, state officials anticipate potential legal and administrative complexities in implementing these new procedures.

Government Affairs

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_Status/billinfo.aspx?id=1765&inflect=2