The bill's passage will amend existing voting laws, specifying that only those who are defined as citizens of New Hampshire (either through birth or naturalization via an oath) will be permitted to vote. This change could potentially affect the eligibility of some residents, particularly students and individuals from other states who do not meet the new citizenship requirements. The implications are significant; local officials will have to implement new procedures for verifying citizenship and residency, which could impose additional burdens during election cycles.
Summary
House Bill 1520, introduced in 2026, seeks to define citizenship for the purposes of voting in New Hampshire. The bill delineates two categories of citizenship: New Hampshire citizenship and United States citizenship. It requires citizens to provide proof of residency and citizenship to vote, which may include providing a New Hampshire citizenship card or birth certificate. A significant aspect of the bill is its stipulation that individuals must take an oath of allegiance to New Hampshire to gain citizenship if they are not native to the state. The Department of State anticipates that this bill will lead to the issuance of New Hampshire citizenship cards to eligible voters.
Sentiment
The sentiments around HB 1520 are polarized. Proponents argue that the legislation will ensure a clearer definition of who is eligible to vote, thereby enhancing the integrity of elections and ensuring that only committed residents participate in the electoral process. Conversely, critics contend that the bill could disenfranchise voters, particularly those who may not have access to the required documentation or who face difficulties in proving their residency status. Advocacy groups are concerned about the socioeconomic implications, fearing that the bill may lead to exclusionary practices.
Contention
Notably, the bill has raised concerns regarding its fiscal implications for the state. The estimated cost for implementing an informative campaign to educate voters on the changes related to citizenship definitions is projected to exceed $2.5 million. This suggests ongoing disputes over the financial responsibility associated with the bill and the potential repercussions it may have on the broader community, including the efficacy of voter turnout and engagement, especially among young and transient populations such as college students.
Defining the term citizen for the purposes of the right to know law and including preliminary drafts circulated to a quorum of a majority of a public body as disclosable documents.
Requiring students in the university and community college systems of New Hampshire to pass the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services civics naturalization test.
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.
Establishing a recruitment incentive program within the community college system for public safety communicators and dispatchers and making an appropriation therefor.
(Second New Title) establishing a committee to study aiding the growth of assistive technology businesses and adoption of assistive technologies in New Hampshire.