HB1520

Today we are in a climate where US citizenship has become a charged topic, and US citizens must carry papers proving citizenship or fear being detained from their jobs, churches, families. Making a push at the NH State level to create and require ANOTHER new proof of citizenship that NH residents must obtain and carry around is a highly unusual and provocative move. Beyond establishing an additional barrier between US citizens and their voting rights, I cannot fathom what value this provides to the great state of NH and its wonderful people. I suspect that implementation costs of "$2.5M" are widely underestimated, and ongoing administrative costs do not appear to be considered at all. This is fiscally irresponsible. But the real costs will be the new layers of red tape that will stand between NH residents and their freedoms and rights as US citizens.

This is unacceptable and I am so sick of this "show me your papers" nonsense from the state. This is an unnecessary and extremely burdensome obstacle to voting that serves no purpose. Our democracy is best served when all eligible participate. Having to swear an oath of allegiance is not only some wack authoritarian behavior, but it makes me not want to vote, which is actually the greatest show of my allegiance as a citizen. I OPPOSE THIS ABSOLUTE NONSENSE. DO SOMETHING WORTHWHILE WITH YOUR POWER. THIS IS STUPID.

This is un-American and unacceptable of our government! Do not pass this, please!

I absolutely oppose this bill. This does not represent what I believe. West Virginia State Board of Education v. Barnette You can’t be compelled to state your beliefs in order to be allowed to vote. Unconstitutional. Live Free or Die!

I oppose HB1520 in the state of NH.

Each voter must "take an oath of allegiance to the state?" What will be the wording of such an oath? And voters will have to carry a New Hampshire citizenship "card?" In addition to their driver's license or other form of ID as presently required? (Even the present requirement seems excessive but appears to be working and sufficient.) This seems like a lot of added complexity and expense ($2.5 million) designed for no other reason than to keep people away from the polls when really the effort should be to make it easier for everyone to vote. As I understand it, fraudulent voting is extremely rare in New Hampshire, so I don't buy any argument that this is to prevent voting fraud. The fact that this bill is sponsored only by republicans is suspect and reeks of partisan meddling in the election process. I strongly oppose this bill.

This is a waste of time and money. I oppose this bill as I see it as unnecessary and a waste of tax payer money in a time of economic distress.

Requiring an oath to the state in order to vote would be unconstitutional.

This is the WORST bill I have ever heard of in the 26 years I have lived in this state! What is the purpose of this legislation, to keep everyone from their legal right to vote? What is the point of that? And taking an oath of allegience to the state??? What does that even mean? Allegiance to what? What does the state stand for?? Is that even clear?? This bill is a TRAVESTY and I could not be more OPPOSED to it!!

There are so few proven cases of voter fraud in NH that it’s a non-issue. This thinly-veiled effort to disenfranchise certain groups of voters would only do harm.

I oppose this bill as it is unnecessary and expensive. I do not believe state residents should be required to have a NH citizenship card. I believe this bill puts more barriers in the way of citizens attempting to exercise their right to vote.

I strongly oppose this bill. It is unconstitutional.

I oppose this bill.

What an absolute joke of a bill from an absolute joke of a government. Shame on all of you

Strongly oppose any bill that aims to add more prerequisites and hurdles for people trying to vote. Everybody has a constitutional right to vote and making it more tricky and difficult is only being done to suppress some individuals votes.

We already require id to vote

This bill places an outrageous burden upon the people of New Hampshire to vote, adding more cost to the New Hampshire resident, to the state, to the tax payer, and it adds wasteful red tape to a constitutional right.

Facial at the state level? No thanks

This is a violation of the First Amendment which protects freedoms of speech and religion, and the Fourteenth Amendment, which deals with citizenship rights and equal protection under the law. The First Amendment protects individuals against compelled speech and ensures the freedom to express oneself, including the right to refrain from speaking. Requiring an oath could be seen as compelling individuals to affirm loyalty or allegiance, which might infringe upon their right to hold differing political views or beliefs. The Fourteenth Amendment provides that no state shall make or enforce any law that abridges the privileges or immunities of citizens. An oath requirement could disproportionately impact certain groups, thus violating the principle of equal protection under the law. The right to vote is considered a fundamental right in the U.S. This right should not be hindered by additional requirements that could disenfranchise voters. U.S. Supreme Court cases have established that states should not impose unnecessary burdens on this fundamental right. Because of these constitutional protections, a requirement for voters to swear an oath to the state could be deemed unconstitutional as it may infringe upon individual rights, impose undue burdens on the right to vote, and potentially create inequalities. This bill would be completely UNCONSTITUTIONAL

This bill is unconstitutional.

I do not support this bill

What in the 1984 is this? Please vote against this fascist nonsense.

I vehemently OPPOSE this unconstitutional Bill and /or any other attempt to stop legitimate state residents from voting!

This bill is ridiculous and will just make voting harder. Pledging allegiance to the state is fascism pure and simple

I am opposed to this bill. I am US citizen and NH resident. I should be able to vote without taking an Oath to the State (whatever that means). This is just another way of voter suppression.