RELEASE: Senate Democrats Oppose Passage of Bill Limiting Voting Rights in New Hampshire

CONCORD – In the first legislative session of 2018, the senate passed HB 372, legislation limiting the right to vote in the state of New Hampshire, on a party line 14-9 vote. Senate Democratic Leader Jeff Woodburn (D-Whitefield) offered the following statement after the vote:

“HB 372 is a political ploy to slow progress by making it harder for young people to participate in our democracy. This legislation creates a de facto poll tax and disenfranchises eligible New Hampshire voters. This bill clearly targets college students, who have every legal right to vote here. We should be encouraging students to stay here and remain a part of their communities after college, but HB 372 does the exact opposite,” said Senator Woodburn.

“It is disappointing to see Senate Republicans take another step toward voter suppression, building on the SB 3 voter suppression law, which was signed into law just six months ago and which is still being challenged in court. Governor Sununu has opposed HB 372 and he would be wise to veto it if the bill makes it to his desk. We urge the governor to keep that promise for the sake of protecting the right to vote in the Granite State.”