HB1391

I support the use of a single ballot for primary elections.

This is for the sake of all NH voters.

Last year it was my honor to work with New Hampshire Together, a nonpartisan nonprofit whose goal is to help everyday citizens become civically engaged. Our process helped them to identify common problems and encouraged them to work together to find common ground and workable solutions which can then be put into action. One of the problems they sought to address is the increased political polarization. Over a three-day weekend in June of 2024, NH Together held the first ever state-wide Citizens Assembly at St Anselm’s, to address the issues identified and find solutions. We strove to ensure the fifty delegates who participated were a demographic match with the state at large, in location, age, and political bent. We set ground rules for respectful dialogue that all agreed to. Delegates broke into groups and worked to find common ground solutions to the problems they had identified. One of these problems was increased political polarization. In order for a group’s policy recommendation to become an official recommendation of the assembly at large, it had to meet the very high bar of 75% approval of all those in attendance. One solution to the issue of polarization, to establish a single ballot primary election, garnered an amazing 85% acceptance from our diverse group. The group proposing this solution worked long after the assembly was over to refine the proposal in hopes of getting legislation passed. As a former legislator, I found observing the work of the delegates at the Citizens Assembly particularly powerful. Here were citizens who weren’t just complaining about how bad things are. Instead, they were willing to work to find real solutions to real problems. I believe that when everyday citizens get together to identify problems and find common ground solutions, they are practicing real democracy. And one final note. What came across loud and clear at the Assembly was how concerned the delegates were with the extreme polarization in our lives today. They believe politicians listen to their party instead of listening to the people they serve. I urge the committee to support HB 1391. The people may have found a solution that actually works. Thank you. With respect, Hon. Marjorie Porter Hillsborough, NH

I support HB 1391’s creation of a study commission to examine single-ballot primary models. Exploring options through a balanced, transparent process allows New Hampshire to evaluate potential improvements without making premature changes to election law

As one of 50 delegates who participated in the First NH Citizens Assembly at Saint Anselm College in June 2024, I witnessed firsthand the power of bringing together diverse voices to address our state's challenges. Over three consecutive days, delegates from across the political spectrum worked collaboratively to develop proposals for reducing polarization and improving political representation. On the final day, an overwhelming 85% of Assembly delegates voted to endorse the single ballot primary proposal. Our deliberations revealed three key benefits of single ballot primaries: simplifying the voting process by eliminating party declarations, expanding voter choice among all candidates, and encouraging candidates to appeal to their full constituency. Research from states that have implemented similar reforms suggests this approach reduces polarization and helps elect officials who better represent all constituents.

Voters need to be educated as may laws have been changed that make it hard for voters to know what is needed to vote.

I am an independent voter that always votes in primaries. I would like to see a commission study single ballots for primaries as long as the commission is independent.

Allowing voters to use their Drivers License number or State Non-drivers ID Card when applying for an absentee ballot will alleviate barriers to voting for many voters while still providing election security. Please support HB 1277

While the fiscal note created screen to hide behind on 1627, the lack of discussion at the executive session just proves that now one is representing the majority (plurality of voters, if you use the combined argument, then you support Ranked Choice Voting). In November 2024, 53% of people registering to vote, registered undeclared. If you changed took the un-needed costs out of the Primary process and handed undeclared voters a "Green" or "white" piece of paper, they could take any ballot and all that extra work/time would go away. I challenge you do do that for one cycle and see how many people stay undeclared. Decades ago when undeclared voters were a small percentage, this was a smaller issue. Now at 40% and growing, it is time to change.

Again, streamline the voting process so it is easy to do.

Yes, please establish a commission to study the implementation of a single ballot primary election.