Closes state and presidential primary elections to voters not registered with a party unless the party adopts rules allowing undeclared voters to participate, and creates liability for grossly negligent violations by party officials or the secretary of state.
closing the presidential or state primary of political parties.
HB220 would close New Hampshire's presidential and state primaries so that only voters registered with a political party could vote in that party's primary, unless the party itself adopts rules allowing undeclared voters to participate. Testimony is overwhelmingly opposed, with undeclared/independent voters (roughly a third to 40% of the NH electorate) and others arguing the bill disenfranchises them and breaks with NH tradition, while a small number of supporters frame it as restoring party control over party nominations.
A supporter argues that primaries exist for parties to choose their own candidates, and that voters who choose not to join a party should not have a say in that choice.
A supporter argues the state should not be involved in policing internal party affairs, and that closing primaries would let parties operate more independently of state oversight.
Opponents argue the bill would bar undeclared voters — described as NH's largest bloc of registered voters, roughly a third to 40% of the electorate — from voting in primaries unless a party opts to let them in, effectively stripping them of a meaningful vote.
“Independent voters represent 40% of the NH electorate. Any member elected "to serve" the citizens of NH should not want to dictate that only those who identify with a particular party be able to vote in the primary of that party.”
— Peggy Sheets, Hollis · #485365 — read full submission →
“This bill would prevent "independent" voters from participating in primary elections. That would eliminate the 40% of NH votes who are independents!”
— Barbara Callaway, Hanover · #486420 — read full submission →
Many opponents characterize the bill as a deliberate attempt by its sponsors to suppress turnout or entrench partisan advantage, rather than a neutral administrative change, sometimes naming or criticizing the sponsors directly.
“This bill’s sole purpose is to restrict voter access in the state of NH. It’s goal is to silence the majority of voters and block our ability to elect the candidates we believe will do their best for our state.”
— Leigh Hutchinson, Derry · #486300 — read full submission →
“This is a voter supression bill and should not be allowed in a democracy.”
— Meg Cowan, Wilmot · #485345 — read full submission →
Opponents argue open primaries and independent voter participation are a point of pride and identity for New Hampshire, tied to its "Live Free or Die" ethos and First-in-the-Nation primary status, and that the bill would abandon this tradition.
Opponents argue closing primaries would lower participation and narrow the range of candidates and viewpoints voters can influence, running counter to recommendations for more voter choice, not less.
A number of opponents state simple opposition to the bill without elaborating on specific reasoning.
Opponents argue that since undeclared voters' taxes help pay for primary elections, they should not be excluded from voting in them.
Some opponents describe the bill as unconstitutional or a violation of voters' fundamental right to vote, occasionally invoking specific constitutional provisions.
Opponents argue no fraud or administrative problem has been identified to justify the change, and that the current open-primary system already serves voters well.
Some opponents note the bill would force undeclared voters into a more burdensome registration process just to participate, beyond the already-cumbersome need to switch back to undeclared after voting.
Generated by claude-sonnet-5 (claude code agent) on Jul 22, 2026. Quotes are verbatim excerpts, verified against the cited submission before publication. Summaries are AI interpretation of the record, not part of it.
It's baffling that in a state with so many independent voters that we'd even begin to consider this bill. Who is this meant to help? Please toss this bill. We don't need it and we don't want it.
As an Undeclared voter, I OPPOSE this bill! Why should I not be allowed to participate in primary elections? There are more "independent" voters than either Republicans or Democrats. Let those of us who prefer to stay away from partisan politics continue to make informed decisions and decide at which primary to cast our ballots. Vote Inexpedient to Legislate!
closing the presidential or state primary of political parties will not improve elections. There is no need to limit the number of people that can vote for a particular party. We need to continue the voters ability to vote in the party of their choice. Changing this will only lead to more partisanship and chaos.
I oppose this bill which will close political primaries to voters that have not declared a party unless the party specifically adopts rules to allow such voters to cast a vote.
Please vote to support ranked-choice voting.
I don’t think it’s fair to impose barriers to voting on people who are registered Independent that voters from the corporate parties don’t have to adhere to. And there’s nothing stopping any of us from registering for one party and voting in their primary and then switching to the other party for the general anyway. This is just an extra step for Independents.
This bill would prevent "independent" voters from participating in primary elections. That would eliminate the 40% of NH votes who are independents!
I am an undeclared voter and oppose this bill. I feel I will be disenfranchised if this bill is passed! Vote no!
Testimony in Opposition to HB 220 February 25, 2025 3:30 pm House Election Law Committee Legislative Office Building Room 306-8 Concord, NH 03301 Chairman Berry and Members of the House Election Law Committee, I oppose HB 220, closing the presidential or state primary of political parties. I believe that this bill disadvantages undeclared voters. I have worked as a ballot clerk since 2021 in Antrim. Approximately one third of Antrim voters are undeclared, and during a primary election a significant number of people who check in with me are undeclared who vote in the primary of their choice. Likewise, across the state, a little more than one third of New Hampshire voters are undeclared, most of whom take pride in closely considering how they will vote based on the candidate, not the party. HB 220 restricts voter inclusion and decreases the diversity of viewpoints represented. We should be encouraging participation in the electoral process, not making it more difficult. I ask that you vote Inexpedient to Legislate on HB 220, . Respectfully, Linda Bundy Antrim
This bill’s sole purpose is to restrict voter access in the state of NH. It’s goal is to silence the majority of voters and block our ability to elect the candidates we believe will do their best for our state. Voter independence is a hallmark of this state and our first in the nation status. This bill flies in the face of our NH heritage and independent values, and would place candidate selection into the controlling hands of only a few. It is the NH elected officials responsibility to enact laws for the benefit of all NH citizens, and NOT for the benefit of individual political parties which are private organizations nor for the benefit of party decision makers outside of our state. NH should decide who gets to vote, not a private organization. Regardless of their guidelines, NH law and voting rights for all citizens should dominate.
Get rid of gerrymandering! It's un-American, and anti-democratic!
I believe independent voters should be allowed to vote in primaries, so I oppose this bill.
To the honorable Election Law Committee: I am writing in opposition to HB 220-FN, closing the presidential or state primary of political parties. I am a proud Undeclared voter, as while I tend to vote with one party more often than the other, I wait each cycle to see who will run and what their positions are so I can best determine who represents my values as well as who will be the best possible steward for the township of New Hampton in the House and the district in the state Senate. I also practice this same effort with the Federal delegation, as the ever-changing environment within both our state and the nation demands a responsible citizen to do their research and vote for the best possible representatives. This bill, HB 220-FN, would remove a critical piece of that process, forcing me to forever declare myself a member of a single specific party, with no recourse for being able to change outside a lengthy effort at the town clerk’s office. I do not select a party lightly, and with the ever-deepening polarization within both the nation and it seems the state as well, it is critical that the ability to remain open and independent is preserved. I would gladly welcome a full primary for independent office-holders, but that is a focus for a different time and a different bill. I ask the committee please vote Inexpedient to Legislate on this bill, and to please preserve the unique and wonderful nature of our great state’s voting processes! Sincerely Andrew Harmon, Concerned Citizen
There are many of us that do not wish to be permanently affiliated with a party but still want to be able to decide on who they candidate for president and other offices should be. Swing voters should not be suppressed from having a say or limited to only the final 2 candidates. It would be better to have a fully open primary then a real run off to not suppress some voters. Being undeclared is the only way that people can participate since this is not the reality.
As of October 2024, nearly 37% of registered NH voters are registered as Undeclared. Many of us are undeclared because we want to be able to vote for the best possible candidate, regardless of party. Closing our elections disenfranchises undeclared voters.
This is voter suppression it is not acceptable
I am so irate and tired of all these ridiculous bills that the legislature is debating. There are none or a handful of problems with nh elections. Stop it!!! Work on issues that will help your citizens and not discriminate against us.
I. Am strongly opposed to this bill. Stop suppressing the votes of the American people
Everyone should vote-always and easily.
Every voter has the right to have their voice heard. Anything else us voter suppression.
Dear House Election Law committee, Please oppose HB220. This bill flies in the face of our state motto to Live free or Die. One of the best things about living in New Hampshire is our independent spirit and our First in the Nation Primary. Why would we allow two political parties to have a monopoly over our hearts and minds. We should be free to chose which our elected leaders with complete freedom. Sincerely, The Honorable Elizabeth Ropp
This bill will move those voters who choose by PERSON rather than PARTY to be excluded from the primaries. We all know a LOT can happen based on the primary results. RESTRICTING anyone with an opinion does not seem to be democratic to me!
Strongly oppose Republican efforts to eliminate American citizens right to vote!!!!
This is a ridiculous bill and is clearly voter suppression and election manipulation!
This is a ridiculous bill and nothing short of voter suppression and election manipulation!