Senate Republicans Pass Onerous Requirements on Voters Trying to Access Absentee Ballots
Contact Name: Marina Altschiller
Phone: (603) 271-3207
CONCORD – Earlier today, Senate Republicans voted to adopt SB 54, relative to the procedure used to complete and submit applications for absentee ballots and absentee ballots. This legislation places additional requirements for voters seeking to vote by absentee, including requiring them to provide private information in order to exercise their right to vote.
After the hearing, Senate Democratic Leader Donna Soucy (D-Manchester) issued the following statement:
“Typically, when we pass legislation, we’re trying to solve a real problem facing Granite Staters. Unfortunately, Senate Bill 54 is a solution in search of a problem. Despite partisan talking points, there is no evidence that New Hampshire has a problem with voter fraud. In fact, our own Secretary of State and local election officials have hailed our absentee voting system as being secure and reliable. The additional barriers to voting that this bill creates will disproportionally impact elderly and disabled voters trying to exercise their right to vote. It also raises serious concerns about the private information voters will now be required to provide, such as the last four digits of their Social Security Number. There is no process for ensuring this sensitive information will be safeguarded and remain confidential once the voter submits it, and that should be of deep concern to us all. Our City and Town Clerks don't need this additional burden. This bill is simply unnecessary, and will only serve to suppress qualified voters’ right to vote.”
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