HB247: relative to processing absentee ballots.

HB 247 - AS INTRODUCED

2003 SESSION

03-0735

03/09

HOUSE BILL 247

AN ACT relative to processing absentee ballots.

SPONSORS: Rep. Patten, Carr 7

COMMITTEE: Election Law

ANALYSIS

This bill changes the time to begin processing absentee ballots from 1:00 p.m. to 11:00 a.m.

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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Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.

03-0735

03/09

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Three

AN ACT relative to processing absentee ballots.

Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:

1 Processing Absentee Ballots; Time. Amend RSA 659:49 to read as follows:

659:49 Processing Absentee Ballots.

I. Processing of previously received absentee ballots shall begin at [1:00 p.m.] 11:00 a.m. The processing of the absentee ballots shall not unnecessarily interfere with normal voting procedures, nor shall the polls be closed at any time during the processing of such ballots. Absentee ballots which are received after [1:00 p.m.] 11:00 a.m. and prior to 5:00 p.m. shall be processed as soon after receipt as possible. Under no circumstances shall absentee ballots be counted prior to the closing of the polls.

II. Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph I, upon the written challenges of 10 or more voters who are present at the polls no later than [1:00 p.m.] 11:00 a.m., the moderator shall postpone the processing of all absentee ballots until after the polls close and prior to the counting of all ballots cast in the election.

2 Effective Date. This act shall take effect 60 days after its passage.