NH House Testimony

HB1838

House · 2026 sessionDemocraticKilled in House

Voter-owned elections fund and fees

AI

Establishes a voter-owned elections fund and commission to provide financial support to certain candidates, funded in part by increased motor vehicle registration fees and a new private registration fee.

establishing a voter-owned elections fund and commission and raising vehicle registration fees.

ElectionsMotor VehiclesState Government

Status

Killed in the House — Inexpedient to Legislate · February 19, 2026
  1. Introduced
  2. House
  3. Senate
  4. Governor
  5. Law

Division of testimony

95 submissions
Support 88Oppose 7Neutral 0
Marcus HansenSupportAlstead, NHfor MyselfJan 20, 2026

Rape kits provide essential evidence, which must be properly handled and preserved in order for victims to have access to to everything which brings them the best chance for justice, and healing.

kristen petricolaSupportKeene, NHfor MyselfJan 20, 2026

This makes sense.

Ellen FarnumSupportTamworth, NHfor MyselfJan 20, 2026

This important bill will help keep money out of politics! That should be a goal for all of us; Republicans , Undeclared and Democrats. This bill will also challenge candidates to talk to a larger group of voters. Ellen Farnum, Tamworth

Michele ChaliceSupportKeene, NHfor MyselfJan 20, 2026

Publicly financing our representation and voting access is the only way to assure that donors do not skew public access to voting opportunities Please support this bill.

Leonard CadwalladerSupportHanover, NHfor Myselfflagged non-germaneJan 20, 2026

Imagine giving the little guy a chance to run for the State Legislature! This is exactly what "The Hampshire Way" is all about. Pass this bill!

Barbara CallawaySupportHanover, NHfor MyselfJan 20, 2026

I believe that we need public financing to help Executive Council candidates run competitive campaigns without relying on big donors or special interests. By giving voters small-dollar funding power and limiting private money, the bill promotes fair elections and helps get big money out of politics.

Debora HatcherSupportDover, NHfor MyselfJan 20, 2026

I am an independent voter, and I have become increasingly alarmed by the corruption in our state and our country. Like many Americans, I blame Citizens United and other cases and laws that allow vast amounts of money to be given to elected officials by out-of-state, corporate or special interests for the corruption. Elected officials need to listen to the electorate, not donors. So I support any effort in Concord to limit the impact of the donor class on our state. And I have read about voter-owned elections in other countries: Some may balk at it as increased spending and fees, but it has a huge impact on the integrity of elections. Better people are elected and special interests have less influence. It's worth an increase in my registration fees. Well worth it. It will be interesting to see who will support this bill. I think few elected officials in Concord will be brave enough to do so. Thank you. Thank you.

Claudia GibsonSupportHanover, NHfor MyselfJan 20, 2026

Testimony is for the non-germane amendment

Sharon RacusinSupportHanover, NHfor MyselfJan 20, 2026

This bill goes along with my HB1201 comments. It creates a voter-owned elections system for New Hampshire’s Executive Council that uses public financing to help candidates run competitive campaigns without relying on big donors or special interests. By giving voters small-dollar funding power and limiting private money, the bill promotes fair elections and helps get big money out of politics.

Corinne DodgeSupportDerry, NHfor MyselfJan 20, 2026

Voter Owned Elections empower voters to have a strong voice in government and allows candidates without great wealth to run for office. And we voters need candidates running for office who know what it is like living on a tight budget.. We also need to know that our elected legislators will listen to our needs instead of catering only to the needs of large donor corporations and wealthy individual donors. Many people feel we are just stuck with this corrupt political system. Many others feel we should try something different. HB 1838 calls for a voter-owned election system for our NH Executive Council which uses public financing to help candidates run competitive campaigns without having to rely on big donors or special interests. Please be brave and try something different. Support HB 1838

Gregory DavisSupportSalem, NHfor MyselfJan 20, 2026

Establishes and important Public campaign financing option.

Louise EwingSupportAntrim, NHfor MyselfJan 20, 2026

I support this bill that encourages public funding of elections with the goal of removing dark money. While it increases vehicle registration fees, that could be paid for repealing the $300-$500 million tax break given to wealthy corporations and shareholders.

Jennifer BlissSupportPeterborough, NHfor MyselfJan 20, 2026

Position recorded without written comment.

Karen MitchellSupportMont Vernon, NHfor MyselfJan 20, 2026

Position recorded without written comment.

Margaret JernstedtSupportHanover, NHfor MyselfJan 20, 2026

Position recorded without written comment.

Sue NASTASISupportDover, NHfor MyselfJan 20, 2026

Position recorded without written comment.

Howard BrownSupportMont Vernon, NHfor MyselfJan 20, 2026

Position recorded without written comment.

Cindy RaspillerSupportMont Vernon, NHfor MyselfJan 20, 2026

Position recorded without written comment.

Melissa ChapmanSupportAntrim, NHfor MyselfJan 20, 2026

Position recorded without written comment.

Susan MooreSupportWhitefield, NHfor MyselfJan 20, 2026

Position recorded without written comment.

Suzanne AustinSupportBRENTWOOD, NHfor MyselfJan 20, 2026

Position recorded without written comment.

Doreen DesmaraisSupportNorthwood, NHfor MyselfJan 20, 2026

Position recorded without written comment.

Lois CoteSupportManchester, NHfor MyselfJan 20, 2026

Position recorded without written comment.

Mary KelleySupportDover, NHfor MyselfJan 20, 2026

Position recorded without written comment.

meredith morganSupporthanover, NHfor MyselfJan 20, 2026

Position recorded without written comment.