Republican Voter ID Law Blocks Dozens from Voting
NEW HAMPSHIRE – Yesterday, New Hampshire saw the first election with one of the nation's strictest voter registration laws in place, resulting in over 40 voters being turned away because they could no longer use affidavits to prove eligibility. This new law mandates that all new voters present physical proof of citizenship, age, domicile, and identity, eliminating the previous option to sign an affidavit attesting to their qualifications. Additionally, women are required to provide documentation of name changes if the name of their documentation differs from their current legal name.
In response, 603 Forward Advocacy and Engagement Director, Matt Mooshian, released the following statement:
“This disaster was entirely predictable. Secretary Scanlan and then Governor Sununu had every opportunity to stand up for New Hampshire voters, but instead, they rubber-stamped a law that makes it harder for Granite Staters to exercise their fundamental right. Now, we’re seeing the consequences—voters turned away, confusion at the polls, and unnecessary hurdles to voting. This is voter suppression, plain and simple.”
BACKGROUND
HB1569, signed into law by then-Governor Sununu and in effect since November 11, 2024, removes the affidavit process and requires all voters to provide a photo ID to check into vote. Additionally, voters must now provide proof of identity, age, domicile, and citizenship when they register to vote. This includes presenting a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers, as well as name change documentation if their name on their citizenship proof differs from their voter registration.
Voting rights advocates previously expressed concerns about the potential disenfranchisement resulting from then House Bill 1569, directly confronting Secretary of State David Scanlan to oppose the restrictive legislation and advise then-Governor Chris Sununu to veto it.
The recent town elections highlighted the law's impact, with numerous voters facing challenges due to the stringent documentation requirements. Many were forced to make multiple trips to obtain necessary documents, such as passports or birth certificates, to exercise their right to vote.
603 Forward envisions a thriving New Hampshire where people are free to live, work and raise a family. In our New Hampshire: democracy is protected above all else; young people have a voice in government at all levels; and policy changes to help build an inclusive, affordable and resilient state.
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