HB1601

Yes, this makes sense.

Dear Members of the NH House, There have been a bevy of law and regulation changes surrounding elections in the recent past and there is equally as much mis-information about voting. I support this bill and ask that you do the same so that voters can be informed.and participate.

There is too much confusion with multiple recent changes. We need to educate voters.

I support this proposal because voters deserve clear, accurate, and timely information about how to participate in elections. Voting laws change, sometimes frequently, and those changes can be confusing even for highly engaged voters. When people are unsure about requirements, deadlines, or procedures, they may make mistakes or choose not to vote at all. A centralized voter education program helps ensure that all voters—regardless of background, age, or experience—have equal access to the information they need. Requiring the Secretary of State to lead this effort promotes consistency, accuracy, and public trust. As the state’s chief election official, the Secretary of State is best positioned to provide nonpartisan, reliable guidance on voting rules and recent changes. This reduces misinformation and ensures voters are receiving information from an authoritative source. A voter education program also supports election integrity. When voters understand the rules, ballots are cast correctly, fewer errors occur, and election officials can focus on administering elections rather than resolving avoidable issues. An informed electorate is essential to a healthy democracy. This proposal strengthens transparency, access, and confidence in our elections, and I urge support.

I know someone who changed their address in NH and went to register to vote. Her husband was able to register. The clerk's office didn't know how to go forward since her name on her birth certificate is not the same as her ID. She was told she would be contacted by mail. She was never contacted and was unable to vote in the last 2 elections. There were over 200 people who haven't been able to vote since the change to our voting laws. That number is anecdotal because we didn't actively track how many were turned away. The Secretary of State has failed to run a comprehensive voter education program. If you go to the website (https://www.sos.nh.gov/elections/register-vote) for information on how to register there is no information about how to register if your name on your birth certificate doesn't match you ID. This effects people who changed their surname when they marry, people who were adopted late in life who might have 2 birth certificates with birth parents name and identification is adoptive parents name and transgender citizens.

Poor people need to have good and sufficient food.

Libraries should be controlled by the people and not by the government--to preserve critical thinking and avoid authoritarianism.

Voting laws in New Hampshire have changed a lot — and voters are paying the price. Confusion leads to longer lines, mistakes, and people being turned away. HB 1601 says that if lawmakers change the rules, voters at minimum deserve clear, accurate information. The Secretary of State already claims to run a “comprehensive voter education program.” If that’s true, then this bill should be easy to implement. If it’s not, then this bill is overdue. Either way, Granite Staters deserve better and we should have pride in educating as many of our friends and neighbors about the importance of civic participation.

It is important that all eligible age voters know the options available to them to cast their vote in a timely manner both at the local, State and Federal levels. New Hampshire welcomes new residents every year and it is important to make sure they have access to current information on how to register to vote, who is eligible to vote and their voting submission options. Thank you

Voters who want an absentee ballot should not face unnecessary hurdles such as finding and paying for a notary. In many towns the hours of operation is a hurdle in itself. Having a driver's license number on the application along with signature should be enough information for people to vote absentee.

Laws have changed drastically on voter registration. The state needs to make sure voters understand new limits in order to have fair elections.

It shows a hearing on HB1742 but it is not in the draw down menu so I am voting against 1742 here.

Given all the changes to the laws the last two years, as well as the increase in documentation requirements, it is vital the good people of New Hampshire are made aware of their current requirements to participate in the highest responsibility we hold as citizens - voting in our local, state, and federal elections. I applaud the efforts so far of Secretary Scanlan's office to educate the public, and hope the legislature will support him in those efforts in any way that is needed.

Voter education is critical. The Secretary of State has a responsibility to educate voters of changes to voting rules.

I believe the Secretary of State should be required to offer voter education programs to NH voters to ensure we are all kept up to date on the latest requirements. It should be a required service of this department. I support this bill.

I support this bill, voting is important and the state should make a good faith effort to educate people about any changes regarding voting.

This is for the sake of all NH voters.

Shouldn't have to be a law in order for the SOS to educate the public on new election laws. But these days.... so I support strongly.

I support HB 1601

Remember, this is the live free or die state. Let's protect people who are looking to obtain any kind of healthcare, including an abortion.

I support HB 1601 because clear, accessible voter education is essential to maintaining trust in our elections. Ensuring that voters understand recent changes to voting laws strengthens transparency, reduces confusion, and supports full participation in our democratic process

This bill ensures that NH residents have an opportunity to clearly understand what it means to vote in NH. The question isn't why should legislators support this bill, the question is why would any legislator oppose a bill that helps NH voters understand the voting process better?

Dear Committee Members, I strongly urge you to support HB1601. The recent changes to voting laws in New Hampshire can lead to confusion, longer lines, mistakes, and legitimate voters being turned away. Sincerely, Lynn Lippitt

Confusion leads to longer lines, mistakes, and people being turned away. HB 1601 says that if lawmakers change the rules, voters at minimum deserve clear, accurate information.

Granite Staters struggled to understand new requirements and procedures, and eligible voters were turned away at the polls as a result. With additional voter citizenship requirements and proposed constitutional amendments now being advanced, the need for proactive voter education is even more urgent. These changes risk disproportionately impacting seniors, people with disabilities, and other voters who may face greater barriers to accessing or understanding updated rules. Strong leadership from the Secretary of State’s office is essential to ensure that voters receive timely, accurate, and easy-to-understand information about their rights and responsibilities. Clear guidance, broadly distributed and accessible to all communities, is critical to maintaining confidence in our elections and ensuring that eligible voters are not disenfranchised due to confusion or lack of information. I respectfully urge you to vote OTP on HB 1601. Thank you for your time and continued service to New Hampshire’s democratic process.