HB1330

I support HB 1330 because allowing all registered voters to participate in state and presidential primaries increases accessibility and reduces unnecessary barriers to civic engagement. Expanding participation strengthens the legitimacy and inclusiveness of our elections

To: House Election Law Committee From: Michael Courville, Manchester, NH Date: February 5, 2026 Subject: HB1330 – In Support (Ought to Pass) Dear Chairman and Members of the Committee, My name is Michael Courville, and I am a resident of Manchester. I am writing to strongly support HB1330. I believe that anyone should be able to participate in our elections without being forced into a two-party system that often feels restrictive and polarizing. I support this bill for the following reasons: Individual Liberty Over Party Control: Voters should not be forced to declare an affiliation with a private political party just to exercise their right to vote in a taxpayer-funded primary. HB1330 returns power to the individual citizen, allowing us to choose the best candidate regardless of party labels. Reducing Polarization: The two-party system often pushes candidates to the extremes. Open primaries encourage candidates to speak to all voters, including the vast number of independent-minded Granite Staters who don't feel represented by either major party. Modernizing the Manchester Experience: In a city as large as Manchester, the current "change of party" rules create unnecessary bottlenecks at our polling places. Simplifying the process to "one voter, one choice" makes the experience more efficient for citizens and election workers alike. New Hampshire has always valued independence. HB1330 is a common-sense way to reflect that value in our elections. I urge the committee to vote Ought to Pass. Sincerely, Michael Courville Manchester, NH