Laura AibelSupportMadison, NHfor MyselfFeb 4, 2025
It's illogical to delay counting absentee ballots. I support this bill.
HB294
House · 2025 sessionBipartisanSigned into lawEnding postponed absentee ballot counting
AIEliminates the option for 10 or more voters to postpone absentee ballot processing until after polls close, instead requiring moderators to publicly post and announce the processing start time in advance.
relative to the processing of absentee ballots.
Elections
Status
Signed into law · May 30, 2025- ✓Introduced
- ✓House
- ✓Senate
- ✓Governor
- ✓Law
Division of testimony
531 submissionsSupport 462Oppose 69Neutral 0
Argument digest · AI-generated
from 91 of 91 written submissionsHB294 would repeal a New Hampshire election law that lets 10 voters petition to delay processing of absentee ballots until the polls close. Supporters, including many local election officials, argue the current law is exploited to disrupt and slow down vote counting and should be repealed so officials can set their own processing schedule; opponents argue the provision protects election integrity and transparency by letting citizens observe and challenge absentee ballots, and some raise broader concerns about absentee-ballot fraud or new burdens on voters.
- Delaying processing until polls close causes confusion, undermines confidenceSupport22 of 91 reviewed
Many submitters argue that letting a small group delay absentee processing until the end of election day only pushes vote counting and results later into the night, creating confusion and undermining public confidence in the outcome.
“Delaying absentee processing until the end of election day only serves to delay counting and results into later in the night – resulting in confusion and undermining voter confidence.”
— Nathaniel Furey, Nottingham · #386817 — read full submission →
“Delaying absentee processing until the end of election day only serves to delay counting and results into later in the night – resulting in confusion and undermining voter confidence.”
— Cora QUISUMBING-KING, Dover · #383832 — read full submission →
“This legislation would reduce confusion caused by an unanticipated delay in vote counting, and would increase voter confidence in the election process.”
— Leslie Casey, Sullivan · #385461 — read full submission →
- A small minority should not be able to hold up counting for everyoneSupport13 of 91 reviewed
Submitters argue that allowing as few as 10 voters to force a delay gives a small, sometimes disruptive minority outsized power over an election process that affects everyone, and describe this as an opening for interference or 'vigilante' tactics.
“A minority of ten should not have the power to delay an election. Please support this bill that restores common sense to election law.”
— Megan Hughes, Walpole · #399662 — read full submission →
“The mindset of such 10 individuals would almost certainly be one of conspiracy theory-induced desire to try and break the system”
— Jim Miller, Canterbury · #401555 — read full submission →
“Small numbers of misguided or malicious people in a few communities delayed vote counting in the recent election, and undermined public confidence with no basis in fact or reality.”
— Jason Sproul, Laconia · #398253 — read full submission →
- Repeal reduces the burden on election officials and volunteersSupport6 of 91 reviewed
Poll workers and moderators describe already-long election days and argue that repealing the delay provision would spare election officials and volunteers from working even later into the night.
“In Dover Ward 3 the elected election officials (moderator, ward clerk and selectpersons) start the day at 6am, convening to complete the setup of the polling place prior to the polls opening at 7am.”
— Phil Hatcher, Dover · #395490 — read full submission →
“This is the simplest way to give our clerks relief from all the constraints you put on their voluntary service to our communities and the election process.”
— Susan Almy, Lebanon · #385665 — read full submission →
- The current absentee process is already safe and well-runSupport5 of 91 reviewed
Several submitters, including election workers and observers, describe the existing absentee ballot process as already professional, secure, and trustworthy, arguing there is no integrity benefit to delaying it.
“Our system is already safe and secure, and overwhelmingly run by careful, civic-minded, non-partisan citizens.”
— Jason Sproul, Laconia · #398253 — read full submission →
“The entire current NH absentee ballot process (from requesting, returning and processing them) is very safe and secure.”
— Gregory Davis, Salem · #385769 — read full submission →
- Bill supports broader goal of making voting easier, protecting rightsSupport5 of 91 reviewed
Some submitters frame the bill in general terms as protecting voting rights and making voting more accessible, without addressing the specific mechanics of the delay provision.
“MAINTAIN OUR VOTING RIGHTS INTACT! How many times do we have to protect them from people who would make our already efficient and legal system more difficult to vote!”
— paula van de werken, Concord · #383635 — read full submission →
“I read restrictions on voting to be a disenfranchisement of voters. Let them vote.”
— Steven Rand, Plymouth · #396447 — read full submission →
- Additional burdens like notarization would harm disabled/elderly votersSupport2 of 91 reviewed
A couple of submitters raise concern that requiring notarization or other added steps for absentee ballots would be an undue burden on disabled or elderly voters who rely on absentee voting.
“Requiring someone like him to have the ballot notarized would place an undue burden on his ability to exercise his right to vote.”
— Mary Lincoln, Londonderry · #383647 — read full submission →
“finding and arranging a notary is a significant burden that may result in voters not being able to exercise their right to vote.”
— June Garen, Gilmanton · #386577 — read full submission →
- Removing the provision undercuts transparency and the ability to challenge ballotsOppose4 of 91 reviewed
Opponents argue the current law allows the process to be conducted in full view of witnesses so that ballots can be reviewed and, if warranted, challenged, and that repealing it removes an important citizen oversight mechanism.
“This bill removes the right of citizens to postpone processing of absentee ballots until close of polls to allow for the process to be conducted in full view of witnesses to assure integrity of the ballots.”
— Christine Campbell, Newton · #398657 — read full submission →
“This would remove a citizen’s right to postpone processing to when the polls close so each ballot can be reviewed for integrity and potential challenge”
— Steve Frechette, Nashua · #401146 — read full submission →
- Concerns about fraud and abuse in the absentee systemOppose4 of 91 reviewed
Some opponents argue the absentee ballot system is already prone to abuse or fraud and that this bill would loosen safeguards further, expressing preference for a narrower, more traditional definition of absentee eligibility.
“This legislation will increase the risk of fraud. This system has been gone unchecked and opened our election process to fraud which destroys the public trust.”
— Joseph Abasciano, Milton · #395746 — read full submission →
“Otherwise these ballots can be a tool for election fraud, much like mail-in ballots.”
— Jim Avallon, North Hampton · #393917 — read full submission →
- Bill is unnecessary or imposes new burdens on votersOppose5 of 91 reviewed
Some opponents argue the bill addresses a problem that doesn't really exist, sets overly restrictive expectations (such as knowing months ahead of time that a voter will be absent), or otherwise disadvantages absentee voters.
“This is too restrictive to expect that people will know 6 months before the election if they will be absent.”
— Caroline Chase, Nashua · #399919 — read full submission →
“This would place an undue hardship both timewise and financially on absentee voters”
— Kristin Hall, Newmarket · #396941 — read full submission →
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.
Josephine ChuSupportPeterborough, NHfor MyselfFeb 4, 2025
Local election officials should be the ones who decide when to process absentee ballots and it should not be delayed by a small group of voters petitioning otherwise.
Christine BachrachSupportGrantham, NHfor MyselfFeb 4, 2025
This ridiculous requirement will disenfranchise most of NH's absentee voters, which I suspect is the goal. For shame!
Susan HolcombeSupportHanover, NHfor MyselfFeb 4, 2025
Please make it easier for NH citizens to vote!
Edith DaigleSupportNew London, NHfor MyselfFeb 4, 2025
I support this bill, HB 294. The time to process absentee ballots is to be set by local election officials,, as stated in the election law. Ten people should not be able to delay the counting of absentee ballots beyond the time that has been set by local election officials.
Amy McGregor-RadinSupportJaffrey, NH, NHfor MyselfFeb 4, 2025
This is a worthy effort to keep voting accessible and streamline the counting process!
Joanna AndrosSupportWalpole, NHfor MyselfFeb 4, 2025
This bill makes sense, because it makes it easier for the towns to get their counting done and results in. Joanna Andros
Martha JaquithOpposeKingston, NHfor MyselfFeb 4, 2025
removes the right of citizens to postpone absentee ballot processing to the close of polls where the process can be fully viewed by citizens for integrity and voter challenge. please oppose
Karolyn CampbelSupportEpsom, NHfor MyselfFeb 4, 2025
Processing of absentee ballots is a process performed in every election that is fascinating to watch. The process is professional, ballots are well protected, and the task is completed efficiently. I observed this operation in the last election and found no fault with the current process.
Holly CooperSupportConcord, NHfor MyselfFeb 4, 2025
As a volunteer poll observer, I was impressed by how the election officials worked to count absentee ballots throughout the day. That way, they had total numbers to report when the polls closed. Delaying absentee processing until the end of election day only serves to delay counting and results into later in the night – resulting in confusion and undermining voter confidence. Please help make things less confusing. We need everyone to trust that all votes are counted and elections are fair. Thank you for considering my input.
Rodney PhillipsSupportLoudon, NHfor MyselfFeb 4, 2025
Thank you for taking my comments! I would like to voice my support of HB 294. First, I am very pleased to see bipartisan support for this bill!!! This law, however maybe well intentioned, has caused a host of problems for towns on election day. Rather than being used when a serious issue is suspected, the law has been used to hamper the election process. Please vote this bill UP! Thank you Rodney Phillips Moderator, Town of Loudon
KATHRYN BACONSupportWebster, NHfor MyselfFeb 4, 2025
I support repealing the bill that allowed 10 voters to appear at a polling place on election day and petition to delay absentee processing, which sounds too much like vigilante action. The time will instead be set by the local election officials, as is laid out in election law. This is another attack on absentee voting.
Anne DeminoffOpposePortsmouth, NHfor MyselfFeb 4, 2025
I oppose this bill.
Jim MillerOpposeCanterbury, NHfor MyselfFeb 4, 2025
Thank you for correcting a flawed statute. Allowing 10 voters to disrupt the election process, and delay counting until late into the evening (because the steps involved in properly confirming and counting and processing absentee ballots take a considerable amount of time in higher-turnout elections) has been a source of concern and FEAR by election officials. The mindset of such 10 individuals would almost certainly be one of conspiracy theory-induced desire to try and break the system (or discourage citizens (mostly volunteers) from serving in important election capacities). Plenty of time is already allowed for those who would want to check and challenge absentee ballots (and our procedures are very strict, to prevent people from voting both absentee and in-person). No need to have the current 10-person clause. Thanks for removing it!!
Steve FrechetteOpposeNashua, NHfor MyselfFeb 4, 2025
This would remove a citizen’s right to postpone processing to when the polls close so each ballot can be reviewed for integrity and potential challenge
Roslyn AyersSupportBoscawen, NHfor MyselfFeb 4, 2025
I support this bill as being beneficial to all Americans
Lauren Chase-RowellSupportNottingham, NH, NHfor MyselfFeb 4, 2025
Please support to ultimately make voting easier, not more difficult!! Thanks!
Linda SchierSupportLee, NHfor MyselfFeb 4, 2025
In the 2024 general election, a small minority of voters in some communities successfully petitioned to delay absentee ballot processing to then challenge absentee ballots and delay results at the end of the night. Delaying absentee processing until the end of election day only serves to delay counting and results into later in the night – resulting in confusion and undermining voter confidence.
Kathryn EssSupportBow, NHfor MyselfFeb 4, 2025
Absentee voting is essential to a free and fair election. Its processing, however is time consuming. Voters, states and the country want fast results and processing absentee ballots can hold up that process. This bill would allow election officials more time to process while polls are open. I fully support this bill.
Charles RhoadesSupportDover, NHfor MyselfFeb 4, 2025
This bill will defang those attempting to delay our vote counters.
Caroline ChaseOpposeNashua, NHfor MyselfFeb 4, 2025
This is too restrictive to expect that people will know 6 months before the election if they will be absent.
Ann WestSupportConcord, NHfor MyselfFeb 4, 2025
I support ending delays in absentee ballot processing.
Eleanor RouillardSupportWindham, NHfor MyselfFeb 4, 2025
In Windham, a small minority of voters whine and disrupt to delay absentee ballot processing to then challenge absentee ballots and delay results at the end of the night. Delaying absentee processing until the end of election day only delays counting and results later in the night – resulting in confusion and undermining voter confidence. This is also unfair to the election officials volunteering their time.
Megan HughesSupportWalpole, NHfor MyselfFeb 4, 2025
HB294 repeals a law that should not exist in the first place. A minority of ten should not have the power to delay an election. Please support this bill that restores common sense to election law.
Carol PetrusewiczOpposeRochester, NHfor MyselfFeb 4, 2025
Why would you want to take away the People's rights? Legislators only function is to defend and protect inalienable rights. I am not seeing any benefit to this bill. Please vote, "no." Thank you.