CACR3

Most elected officials serve a two-year term. That seems like an appropriate time frame in which to replace someone who needs to be recalled.

I am opposed to CACR 3 because it is unnecessary and may even be more harmful to the citizens of New Hampshire than helpful. We already have mechanisms to remove public officials who do not perform their duties properly. My concern is that some voters might unjustly initiate recall elections against election officials, causing unnecessary stress among elected officials who fear facing these elections. This situation could create turmoil within our communities, impacting public employees and the overall governance of our towns. Furthermore, we must consider the financial implications of recall elections on local municipalities and school budgets. How can we adequately budget for such unpredictable costs? Will governing bodies need to create reserve funds to cover these potential expenses? For example, the price of the Accessible Voting Systems Pilot Program is just $600. If Winchester were to hold both a school and a town recall election simultaneously, we would incur an additional $1,200, as the Secretary of State's office treats these as two separate elections. The election cost does not include the extra costs for postings, absentee ballots, ballots, and voter tabulating device programming. It seems unreasonable to impose such financial burdens on our communities simply because some individuals may want to recall officials for trivial reasons. I strongly urge you to vote Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL) on CACR 3. Sincerely Denis V. Murphy II Representative Cheshire 11 Moderator Town of Winchester

This bill should be opposed. The voters have spoken once they vote someone into office. Someone who doesn't like the choice should not be able to have the removal of who the majority of voters want. I oppose this bill.

This legislation lacks the criteria for when a recall election can be initiated. It cannot be left to opinion, if I disagree with the politics of my duly elected representative I will initiate a recall election. Only when an elected official breaks the law and is involved in crime should a recall election be considered. Additionally, the cost of a recall election is great, and with 424 members of the NH General Court, plus a large number of locally elected officials on county boards, schools boards, select board, city councils, and more, the potential for an astronomical amount of time and financial resources going toward recall elections is great. The terms of office in New Hampshire range from one to three years, generally. The voters can have their say upon reelection. Allowing the process as it exists works, with the Attorney General with authority to remove an elected official for financial crimes, and the voting public to have a say in the voting booth on regularly scheduled elections.