FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 15, 2024

Young Leaders Unite To Oppose Sweeping Voter Suppression Bill

Bill would make NH voter registration system the most restrictive in the country and undermine free and fair elections  

CONCORD – Ahead of the Senate vote this week on House Bill 1569, young locally elected officials and election officials joined together to speak out against this latest attempt by conservatives in the State House to silence our generation’s voice by making it harder for every Granite Stater to vote and for local election officials to do their jobs. 

“Local election officials are being pushed closer and closer to the brink because of these unnecessary and burdensome changes to our elections being pushed by baseless conspiracy theorists. We want to make sure every Granite Stater can safely, easily, and securely register and cast their ballot. HB 1569 does everything in its power to make it harder for voters to register and harder for election officials to do our jobs.“

Liz Wester, Manchester Board of Registrars 

“This overhaul of elections will only make our lines longer, confuse voters, and make the work of our local election officials even harder. Opposing this bill means standing up for the voting rights of every Merrimack voter.”

Mackenzie Murphy, Merrimack Town Councilor

 "Making it harder for folks in my and everyone else's community to vote is not smart, fair, or democratic. The truth of the matter is that our democracy works best when elected leaders, like me, hear from as many constituents as possible. That means protecting access to our elections, not creating barriers that make it harder for hard working folks to cast their vote."

 Kerri Harrington, Littleton Select Board

“While this bill will impact any voter - its disproportionate impact on new American voters is clear. Somersworth is home to one of the largest Indonesian American communities on the East Coast and I will not stand by while extreme politicians in the State House work overtime to silence our voices. Our Granite State democracy is stronger when every one takes part, not just the rich and powerful.” 

Matthew Gerding, Mayor of Somersworth 

“Local election officials across the state work hard to make sure voters can cast their ballot easily and securely. But the overhaul of our elections proposed in HB 1569 undermines our ability to do that.” 

Sara Peresechino, Hopkinton Town Moderator 

“We serve the people to make sure government delivers for our communities and that the people's voice is heard. But this ridiculous overhaul of our elections only weakens trust in our elections and government by illegally silencing the voices of countless voters- especially the black and brown Granite Staters in my neighborhood. Our voices matter. Take a step back, let’s not put the gear in “R” - we have come too far and we know better.”

Jason Bonilla, Manchester School Board