Election Law & Municipal Affairs Committee Kills SB 47, Sen. Soucy’s Absentee Voting Legislation
Contact Name: Marina Altschiller
Phone: (603) 271-3207
CONCORD – Today, the Senate Election Law & Municipal Affairs Committee killed SB 47 in a 3-2 vote down party lines. If enacted, SB 47 would have permanently enacted no-excuse absentee voter registration and voting, and partial processing of absentee ballots prior to election day.
After the vote, prime sponsor Senate Democratic Leader Donna Soucy (D-Manchester) issued the following statement:
“As elected leaders, I think we all want to ensure our constituents have as much access to the voting process as possible. The changes I proposed in this legislation were already put to the test in our most recent election cycle, when we expanded absentee voting due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The results were tremendously successful, including record-breaking voter turnout and an election widely recognized as the most secure election we’ve ever seen. This was an opportunity to build upon that proven success to expand opportunities for voters to exercise their most precious right. I’m disappointed my Republican colleagues didn’t support this effort to better accommodate NH voters, but I look forward to continuing to work toward meeting voters where they’re at and making sure their voices are heard.”
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