Bill > HB1541

This bill requires the secretary of state to provide all voting precincts with secure, durable, and reusable ballot storage containers that meet specific requirements. The bill amends existing law to mandate that these containers be lockable, stackable, transportable, and marked with individual serial numbers. The containers must be capable of securely storing both state and federal election ballots, including special ballots for voter questions. The secretary of state is tasked with preparing and distributing these containers before each election, and must use funding available through the Help America Vote Act of 2002 (HAVA) to implement a secure container replacement program. Additionally, the secretary of state is required to prepare an annual progress report detailing the number of containers replaced, their locations, and planned replacements for the following year. While the bill does not provide specific funding, it anticipates using HAVA funds and potentially general fund resources. The containers are intended to improve ballot security and storage, with the first implementation expected within 60 days of the bill's passage. The fiscal impact is considered indeterminable due to potential variations in manufacturing and distribution costs.

Government Affairs

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_Status/billinfo.aspx?id=1952&inflect=2