New Hampshire House Supports Election Protections During COVID-19 Pandemic
Contact Name: Sara Persechino
Phone: (603) 271-3479
Email: Sara.Persechino@leg.state.nh.us
CONCORD - Today, the House of Representatives voted to concur on HB 1266, in a vote of 221-101. As amended HB 1266 makes temporary modifications to the absentee voter registration, absentee ballot application, and absentee voting processes in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. HB 1266 will next be enrolled with the Secretary of State’s office and then go to the governor’s desk for his action at which time he will have five days to act.
After the vote, Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs Chair Melanie Levesque (D-Brookline) and Vice Chair Tom Sherman (D-Rye) issued the following statements:
“This fall we must take steps to ensure public health and safety, both for New Hampshire voters and poll workers,” stated Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs Chair Melanie Levesque (D-Brookline). “The temporary provisions outlined in HB 1266 are critical to ensuring free and fair elections in 2020.”
Vice Chair Tom Sherman (D-Rye) added, “Ensuring that our elections are conducted in a way that protects public safety has been a bipartisan issue throughout this pandemic. Along with the other members of the Secretary of State's Select Committee on 2020 Emergency Election Support, we recommended critical measures needed to give every eligible voter the opportunity to cast their ballot, free from fear of COVID-19. This bill reflects those requiring a temporary change in statute. Passage of this bill along with full implementation by the Secretary of State of the Select Committee’s recommendations, such as funding return postage for absentee ballots and readily accessible absentee registration and ballot requests, will allow NH to continue its proud tradition of robust participation in our election process without putting voters or election workers at undue risk. I thank our House colleagues for their vote today and look forward to the Governor’s support of HB 1266.”
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