HB220

It's baffling that in a state with so many independent voters that we'd even begin to consider this bill. Who is this meant to help? Please toss this bill. We don't need it and we don't want it.

As an Undeclared voter, I OPPOSE this bill! Why should I not be allowed to participate in primary elections? There are more "independent" voters than either Republicans or Democrats. Let those of us who prefer to stay away from partisan politics continue to make informed decisions and decide at which primary to cast our ballots. Vote Inexpedient to Legislate!

closing the presidential or state primary of political parties will not improve elections. There is no need to limit the number of people that can vote for a particular party. We need to continue the voters ability to vote in the party of their choice. Changing this will only lead to more partisanship and chaos.

I oppose this bill which will close political primaries to voters that have not declared a party unless the party specifically adopts rules to allow such voters to cast a vote.

Please vote to support ranked-choice voting.

I don’t think it’s fair to impose barriers to voting on people who are registered Independent that voters from the corporate parties don’t have to adhere to. And there’s nothing stopping any of us from registering for one party and voting in their primary and then switching to the other party for the general anyway. This is just an extra step for Independents.

This bill would prevent "independent" voters from participating in primary elections. That would eliminate the 40% of NH votes who are independents!

I am an undeclared voter and oppose this bill. I feel I will be disenfranchised if this bill is passed! Vote no!

Testimony in Opposition to HB 220 February 25, 2025 3:30 pm House Election Law Committee Legislative Office Building Room 306-8 Concord, NH 03301 Chairman Berry and Members of the House Election Law Committee, I oppose HB 220, closing the presidential or state primary of political parties. I believe that this bill disadvantages undeclared voters. I have worked as a ballot clerk since 2021 in Antrim. Approximately one third of Antrim voters are undeclared, and during a primary election a significant number of people who check in with me are undeclared who vote in the primary of their choice. Likewise, across the state, a little more than one third of New Hampshire voters are undeclared, most of whom take pride in closely considering how they will vote based on the candidate, not the party. HB 220 restricts voter inclusion and decreases the diversity of viewpoints represented. We should be encouraging participation in the electoral process, not making it more difficult. I ask that you vote Inexpedient to Legislate on HB 220, . Respectfully, Linda Bundy Antrim

This bill’s sole purpose is to restrict voter access in the state of NH. It’s goal is to silence the majority of voters and block our ability to elect the candidates we believe will do their best for our state. Voter independence is a hallmark of this state and our first in the nation status. This bill flies in the face of our NH heritage and independent values, and would place candidate selection into the controlling hands of only a few. It is the NH elected officials responsibility to enact laws for the benefit of all NH citizens, and NOT for the benefit of individual political parties which are private organizations nor for the benefit of party decision makers outside of our state. NH should decide who gets to vote, not a private organization. Regardless of their guidelines, NH law and voting rights for all citizens should dominate.

Get rid of gerrymandering! It's un-American, and anti-democratic!

I believe independent voters should be allowed to vote in primaries, so I oppose this bill.

To the honorable Election Law Committee: I am writing in opposition to HB 220-FN, closing the presidential or state primary of political parties. I am a proud Undeclared voter, as while I tend to vote with one party more often than the other, I wait each cycle to see who will run and what their positions are so I can best determine who represents my values as well as who will be the best possible steward for the township of New Hampton in the House and the district in the state Senate. I also practice this same effort with the Federal delegation, as the ever-changing environment within both our state and the nation demands a responsible citizen to do their research and vote for the best possible representatives. This bill, HB 220-FN, would remove a critical piece of that process, forcing me to forever declare myself a member of a single specific party, with no recourse for being able to change outside a lengthy effort at the town clerk’s office. I do not select a party lightly, and with the ever-deepening polarization within both the nation and it seems the state as well, it is critical that the ability to remain open and independent is preserved. I would gladly welcome a full primary for independent office-holders, but that is a focus for a different time and a different bill. I ask the committee please vote Inexpedient to Legislate on this bill, and to please preserve the unique and wonderful nature of our great state’s voting processes! Sincerely Andrew Harmon, Concerned Citizen

There are many of us that do not wish to be permanently affiliated with a party but still want to be able to decide on who they candidate for president and other offices should be. Swing voters should not be suppressed from having a say or limited to only the final 2 candidates. It would be better to have a fully open primary then a real run off to not suppress some voters. Being undeclared is the only way that people can participate since this is not the reality.

As of October 2024, nearly 37% of registered NH voters are registered as Undeclared. Many of us are undeclared because we want to be able to vote for the best possible candidate, regardless of party. Closing our elections disenfranchises undeclared voters.

This is voter suppression it is not acceptable

I am so irate and tired of all these ridiculous bills that the legislature is debating. There are none or a handful of problems with nh elections. Stop it!!! Work on issues that will help your citizens and not discriminate against us.

I. Am strongly opposed to this bill. Stop suppressing the votes of the American people

Everyone should vote-always and easily.

Every voter has the right to have their voice heard. Anything else us voter suppression.

Dear House Election Law committee, Please oppose HB220. This bill flies in the face of our state motto to Live free or Die. One of the best things about living in New Hampshire is our independent spirit and our First in the Nation Primary. Why would we allow two political parties to have a monopoly over our hearts and minds. We should be free to chose which our elected leaders with complete freedom. Sincerely, The Honorable Elizabeth Ropp

This bill will move those voters who choose by PERSON rather than PARTY to be excluded from the primaries. We all know a LOT can happen based on the primary results. RESTRICTING anyone with an opinion does not seem to be democratic to me!

Strongly oppose Republican efforts to eliminate American citizens right to vote!!!!

This is a ridiculous bill and is clearly voter suppression and election manipulation!

This is a ridiculous bill and nothing short of voter suppression and election manipulation!