HB1627

HB1627 is an EXCELLENT idea of a Election Law bill that should pass without any difficulty at all! As a registered undeclared voter, I don't mind having to request a particular political parties ballot but it shouldn't be needed. And also as one of the Rollinsford supervisors of the checklist it would be appreciated to receive one ballot with all candidates for the primary day. HB1627 should be passed and I'm looking forward to servicing voters on election day in Rollinsford with one primary ballot.

One ballot, multiple votes. Why not make the process easier,

Let's continue to open up opportunities to vote your real choice

Chairman Berry and Members of House Election Law I support HB 1627, creating a single primary ballot. With a single ballot nonpartisan primary all voters participate in the election. Undeclared voters can vote without having to declare a party before voting and then undeclare after. Voters can vote for their preferred candidate, regardless of party affiliation. Candidates would have to appeal to their full constituency, not just a smaller, more partisan group of voters. The two candidates with the most votes move on to the general election, regardless of party affiliation, which more fully reflects the wishes of the voters. Elected officials would not feel pressured to follow more partisan views. Voter participation is greater in places where single ballot primaries take place. Thirteen New Hampshire cities have nonpartisan primaries and voter turnout and engagement have increased. Single ballot primaries are better for voters and candidates. I respectfully ask the committee to vote Ought to Pass on HB 1627. Linda Bundy Antrim

I believe that this bill is necessary for ensuring fair and accurate primaries for all NH state voters. As almost 40% of New Hampshire voters are registered Undeclared, creating on single ballot for the primary would allow these voters to accurately and appropriately vote in the Primary, rather than being forced to choose a party in order to be allowed to vote. By creating one ballot, these voters would not be left out, and would allow all voters to better understand their options in our primary elections. For these reasons, I strongly support this bill.

I believe a single ballot primary system would help reduce partisanship and make elected officials accountable to all constituents.

This is all about making voting EASIER in New Hampshire, one of the hardest states to vote in. Around 40% of NH voters are undeclared, so if this bill is rejected, it will be MORE DIFFICULT for undeclared voters to participate—I do not stand for that. I support this bill because voting is for EVERYONE!

I support this bill on principle for the good of voters.

A voter's Guide is an important part of fair and free elections.

I support this bill. Having a single part ballot in state and congressional primaries would put all the candidates on one ballot and a voter could choose a candidate from any party that they thought would be the best one.

It seems rather foolish to repeal the business entrprise tax when the state faces fiscal challenges. This will increase financial pressure on property poor towns.

This bill makes a lot of sense and makes primary voting easier.

NH has a semi-open partisan primary system, which allows all eligible voters to participate, but forces them to vote for only those candidates that appear on either the Democratic or Republican ballot. Replacing the two major party ballots with a Single Ballot would 1) simplify the voting process by eliminating the need for voters to declare a party before voting, 2) provide voters with more choice among all candidates, and 3) encourage candidates to appeal beyond their party base.

I support his bill for a single primary ballot

I think this is a great idea to allow the strongest candidate that aligns with the entire pool of voters to be the one that gets elected. I'd love to see a way that puts policy in front of partisanship and I think this is a good start.

A single primary ballot increases voter choice, reduces barriers for undeclared and independent voters, and strengthens democratic participation by empowering all voters to select from all candidates in state and congressional primary elections.

I support this bill. Other states have adopted this procedure, which surfaces the best candidates for the final election. It gives citizens a broader field of candidates than those supported in party-led primaries funded by out-of-state money. It will also get more people out to vote in the primaries, which traditionally have very low participation.

I support this bill because it will make voting in primaries faster for voters and make it easier for election officials and poll workers to discharge their duties during primaries. I bet printing one ballot instead of two will also save us some money.

In June 2024, New Hampshire residents participated in a groundbreaking initiative to address the growing challenges of political polarization, declining trust in elections, and a perceived lack of representation. Fifty delegates were selected from the listening sessions to mirror New Hampshire’s political and demographic diversity. Single-ballot and this bill or something like this was the solution NH citizens are looking for. I urge the election law to study this and to work together using the Citizens Assembly offers a new model for strengthening democracy and rebuilding trust in the process.

As an un-declared voter I do not want to be limited to only 1/2 of the choices at the primary. Many times the candidates I like the most are across parties. Some years my wife and I have had to coordinate so at least we could get one vote for the people we wanted to see move on to November. We pay for primary, the parties don't, so we should be able to vote for everyone who wants to make it to the November ballot. Four other States do this, two Red and two Blue. Also, don't use the "education excuse" It will not cost money to move to a simpler system. If people can make it to the polls to vote, they will figure out how to vote. Don't insult our intelligence saying we can't figure out or handle change.