Revision: Feb. 13, 2025, 9:26 a.m.
Rep. Wherry, Hills. 13
Rep. Burnham, Straf. 2
Rep. Wood, Merr. 13
February 10, 2025
2025-0349h
08/09
Amendment to HB 288
Amend the title of the bill by replacing it with the following:
AN ACT limiting how far in advance of an election an absentee ballot may be requested.
Amend RSA 657:6 as inserted by section 1 of the bill by replacing it with the following:
657:6 Procedure by Applicant. An application form for an absentee ballot shall be mailed or delivered to any person who applies therefor to the secretary of state or to any town or city clerk. It shall be filled out by the applicant and sent to the clerk of the town or city in which he or she desires to vote. Alternatively, a person may apply for an official absentee ballot by sending to said clerk a written statement containing the information required by RSA 657:4, I or by the federal official post card form for UOCAVA voters as described under RSA 654:20. The federal official post card forms shall be received no earlier than January of the calendar year in which the election occurs. All other application forms shall be received or postmarked within 6 months of the election for which the absentee ballot is being requested. Except for the federal official post card forms, any application received or postmarked prior to the 6-month period shall not be accepted by the secretary of state or any town or city clerk.
2025-0349h
AMENDED ANALYSIS
This bill limits how far in advance an absentee ballot may be requested. Federal law requires that UOCAVA voters complete a new federal official post card no earlier than January of the calendar year in which a federal election occurs. Other applications for absentee ballots are limited to no earlier than 6 months prior to the election.