House recommends voting restrictions

On Wednesday, May 24 the House Election Law committee voted in favor of a bill that adds new requirements for voter registration. 

The bill, SB 3, is intended to prevent temporary workers – particularly campaign workers – from voting in New Hampshire elections.  To that end, the bill requires anyone registering to vote thirty days or fewer before an election to show proof they intend to stay in New Hampshire long-term.  That proof could be anything from a driver’s license to a child’s public school enrollment. 

If a voter does not show that proof, he or she must instead sign a form and present proof to the town clerk up to ten days after the election.   If the town clerk never sees proof, town officials will try to verify the voter’s address, potentially including a home visit.

Supporters of SB 3 – including Secretary of State Bill Gardner – argue that the bill will discourage voter fraud and therefore increase confidence in election results.

Supporters also note that SB 3 does not stop anyone from registering or voting on Election Day.

Bill opponents argue that the new requirements of SB 3 will confuse and discourage voters who do not own property in New Hampshire, such as college students.

Other opponents point out that there is no evidence of widespread voter fraud, so there is no justification for this bill.

The full House will vote on SB 3 in June.

Do you support SB 3?  Let us know in the comments.