relating to qualifications for office. Providing that candidates of the office of governor, state senator, and state representative shall be citizens of the United States.
Summary
CACR 14 is a proposed constitutional amendment that would require candidates for governor, state senator, and state representative in New Hampshire to be citizens of the United States. The resolution amends Articles 14, 29, and 42 of Part II of the state constitution to add U.S. citizenship as an explicit eligibility requirement for those offices, while leaving the existing age, residency, and district-inhabitant requirements in place. It also sets out the ballot question, directs local officials and the secretary of state on how to present it to voters, and provides that the amendment would take effect only if approved by two-thirds of voters on the question and then proclaimed by the governor.
Impact
If adopted, the amendment would change the New Hampshire Constitution by adding a citizenship qualification for the state’s top executive office and both chambers of the legislature. In practical terms, it would bar non-U.S. citizens from running for governor, state senator, or state representative, and would make that requirement enforceable as a constitutional eligibility standard rather than a matter of ordinary statute or custom. Because it is a constitutional amendment, it would affect candidate qualification rules statewide and would be submitted to voters at the November 2026 general election.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have received favorable initial committee action, with an OTP vote of 182-156, suggesting majority support but not unanimity. The available record does not include committee testimony or floor debate, so the broader public rationale is not documented here. Overall, the measure seems to have been treated as a straightforward qualifications amendment, with support sufficient to advance but with a meaningful minority opposed.
Contention
The main point of contention is likely whether adding an explicit U.S. citizenship requirement is necessary, given that the constitution already contains residency, age, and inhabitancy qualifications for these offices. Supporters appear to favor clarifying and formalizing citizenship as a baseline eligibility rule for statewide and legislative office. Opponents likely object to the need for the change, or to the exclusion of lawful non-citizen residents from candidacy, but no transcript is available to identify specific arguments or sponsors on either side.
Relating to voting eligibility. Providing that only legal resident citizens who are at least 18 years of age or older who reside in the place they claim as a domicile shall be eligible voters.
Relating to the drawing of district boundaries. Providing that no district boundaries shall be drawn in a way that favors or disfavors any political party or candidate.
Relating to the presumption of innocence. Providing that in all cases and suits of the state against one of the people, the defendant shall be innocent unless proven guilty.
Requiring students in the university and community college systems of New Hampshire to pass the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services civics naturalization test.
Relates to the line of succession for the governor and lieutenant-governor in cases where they are impeached or unable to perform the duties of the office.
Relates to the line of succession for the governor and lieutenant-governor in cases where they are impeached or unable to perform the duties of the office.