New Hampshire 2024 Regular Session

New Hampshire House Bill HB1348

Introduced
12/6/23  
Refer
12/6/23  
Engrossed
3/26/24  
Refer
3/26/24  

Caption

Governing the application for a ballot recount in a state general election.

Impact

The proposed measure could have significant implications for state laws regarding election procedures. Should HB 1348 be enacted, it would modify existing laws to include stricter criteria for validating election results, particularly concerning the total number of ballots cast as compared to the number of registered voters. This change could lead to more robust oversight of election tallies and potentially deter practices or errors that might compromise the electoral system's integrity.

Summary

House Bill 1348 addresses the integrity of election processes by stipulating that elections held in polling places where the total ballot count exceeds the number of registered voters will have those results negated. This reflects an effort to safeguard the validity of elections and ensure that each vote cast corresponds to a legitimate registered voter. The introduction of this measure aims to bolster public confidence in the electoral process by attempting to eliminate discrepancies that could suggest voter fraud or administrative errors.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 1348 seems to be mixed among lawmakers and the public. Supporters argue that it is a crucial step towards preventing election fraud and ensuring fair elections, thereby promoting transparency and accountability within the voting system. Conversely, critics may view this bill as an unnecessary measure that could undermine voter participation or be used to unjustly invalidate legitimate votes under certain circumstances. The discussion reflects broader national conversations about voting rights and electoral integrity.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 1348 include fears that the bill may inadvertently disenfranchise voters, especially in areas with high levels of same-day registrations or demographic factors that could lead to higher ballot counts. Additionally, there may be concerns about how local election officials will implement the negation process in practice, as determining the legitimacy of ballot counts can be complex and contentious. The bill's language and enforcement mechanisms will likely be focal points during further legislative debates.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NH HB1277

relative to proof of identification on absentee ballot applications.

NH HB693

Relative to ballot counting procedures and permitting the hand counting of ballots.

NH HB693

relative to ballot counting procedures and permitting the hand counting of ballots.

NH HB1162

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in county boards of elections, furth er providing for powers and duties of county boards; in preparation for and conduct of primaries and elections, further providing for manner of applying to vote, persons entitled to vote, voter's certificates, entries to be made in district register, numbered lists of voters and challenges and for ballots to be issued by election officers only, ballots not to be removed and official ballots only to be deposited or counted; in voting by qualified absentee electors, further providing for applications for official absentee ballots, for date of application for absentee ballot, for official absentee voters ballots, for voting by absentee electors and for canvassing of official absentee absentee ballots and mail-in ballots; in voting by qualified mail-in electors, further providing for applications for official mail-in ballots, for official mail-in elector ballots and for voting by mail-in electors.

NH SB103

(New Title) relative to the number of polling stations that are available for certain towns and cities during a general election which includes the election for the office of President of the United States.

NH HB473

In voting by qualified absentee electors, further providing for applications for official absentee ballots; and, in voting by qualified mail-in electors, further providing for applications for official mail-in ballots.

NH HB43

Elections, Voting, Ballots

NH HB1306

relative to the counting of absentee ballots.

NH HB1396

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in district election officers, further providing for compensation of district election officers; in election districts and polling places, providing for ballot drop boxes; in electronic voting systems, further providing for definitions and for supplies, preparation of the voting system and of polling places, providing for pre-election logic and accuracy testing, repealing provisions relating to statistical sample and providing for post-election ballot audit; providing for electronic poll books and for electronic poll books and election infrastructure equipment bonds; in preparation for and conduct of primaries and elections, further providing for manner of applying to vote, persons entitled to vote, voter's certificates, entries to be made in district register, numbered lists of voters and challenges and for deadline for receipt of valid voter registration application; providing for in-person early voting; in voting by qualified absentee electors, further providing for date of application for absentee ballot, for approval of application for absentee ballot, for envelopes for official absentee ballots and for voting by absentee electors; in voting by qualified mail-in electors, further providing for applications for official mail-in ballots, for date of application for mail-in ballot, for approval of application for mail-in ballot, for envelopes for official mail-in ballots and for voting by mail-in electors; in returns of primaries and elections, further providing for computation of returns by county board, certification and issuance of certificates of election; in Election Integrity Grant Program, further providing for funding for elections; in recounts and contests, further providing for opening ballot boxes upon petition of electors alleging fraud or error and deposit or bond, for recanvassing voting machines upon petition of electors alleging fraud or error and for correction of returns, decision not to be final and evidence for prosecution; in penalties, further providing for interference with primaries and elections, frauds and conspiracy; making an appropriation; and making an editorial change. Amending Title 25 (Elections) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in registration system, further providing for SURE system; in voter registration, further providing for methods of voter registration, for application with driver's license application and for government agencies and for approval of registration applications; and, in changes in records, repealing provisions relating to removal notices, to transfer of registration and to change of enrollment of political party and further providing for death of registrant.

NH HB1515

Elections; absentee ballots; statement; single election ballot per application; effective date.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.