HB 1306 - AS AMENDED BY THE HOUSE
11Mar2026... 0635h
2026 SESSION
26-2881
08/05
HOUSE BILL 1306
AN ACT relative to the counting of absentee ballots.
SPONSORS: Rep. Burnham, Straf. 2; Rep. Wood, Merr. 13; Rep. Wherry, Hills. 13; Rep. DeRoy, Straf. 3; Sen. Gray, Dist 6
COMMITTEE: Election Law
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ANALYSIS
This bill creates the absentee ballot certificate and requires certain counts of absentee ballots to be performed by the moderator and the clerk and recorded on the absentee ballot certificate.
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Explanation: Matter added to current law appears in bold italics.
Matter removed from current law appears [in brackets and struckthrough.]
Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.
11Mar2026... 0635h 26-2881
08/05
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Twenty-Six
AN ACT relative to the counting of absentee ballots.
Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:
1 New Section; Absentee Ballot Certificate. Amend RSA 657 by inserting after section 23 the following new section:
657:23-a Absentee Ballot Certificate.
I. The secretary of state shall prepare and distribute to each town or ward clerk 3 copies of the absentee ballot certificate. When the absentee ballots are counted, the moderator and clerk shall certify on the certificate the total number of absentee ballots received, as well as all counts required under paragraph II. One copy shall be retained by the moderator for his or her records; one copy shall be retained by the clerk for his or her records; and one copy shall be forwarded by the clerk to the secretary of state within 48 hours of the close of elections.
II. Absentee ballots shall be counted for the following:
(a) Total absentee ballots received by the clerk.
(b) Total number of absentee ballots mailed/and delivered by the clerk.
(c) Total number of absentee ballots spoiled before the opening of the polls.
(d) Total number of absentee ballots emailed to UOCAVA voters.
(e) Total number of absentee ballots remaining before the opening of the polls.
(f) Total number of absentee ballots not returned by the voter.
(g) Total number of absentee ballots issued on election day.
(h) Total number of absentee ballots cast on election day.
(i) Total number of absentee ballots rejected on election day.
(j) Total number of absentee ballots used as official election day ballots.
(k) Total number of absentee ballots remaining at the close of polls.
2 Effective Date. This act shall take effect 60 days after its passage.
| Date | Amendment |
|---|---|
| March 4, 2026 | 2026-0635h |
| Date | Body | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Jan. 27, 2026 | House | Hearing |
| March 3, 2026 | House | Exec Session |
| March 3, 2026 | House | Floor Vote |
March 11, 2026: Ought to Pass with Amendment 2026-0635h: MA VV 03/11/2026 HJ 7
March 11, 2026: Amendment # 2026-0635h: AA VV 03/11/2026 HJ 7
March 4, 2026: Minority Committee Report: Inexpedient to Legislate
March 4, 2026: Majority Committee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2026-0635h 03/03/2026 (Vote 13-4; RC)
Feb. 18, 2026: Executive Session: 03/03/2026 10:00 am GP 158
Jan. 22, 2026: Public Hearing: 01/27/2026 02:00 pm GP 158
Dec. 1, 2025: Introduced 01/07/2026 and referred to Election Law