Requires moderators to designate a space for electioneering at polling places and provide a schematic of the space to candidates, the secretary of state, and the public.
requiring moderators to designate a space for electioneering at polling places and provide a schematic thereof.
Electioneering should never occur inside a voting station, thus there is no need for this bill. Inside access could easily lead to voter harassment, and this bill seems to literally open the door to inside access. Rewrite to include guidelines restricting access to outside only.
As we all know on election days at the polls we receive a visit by a NH Attorney General. They go around with their checklist and the Moderator. If a step is not followed - the Moderator is notified and the problem is corrected. Another bill that should be ITL in committee
This bill is not needed. Why are you going to change something that has been working for both parties for years? Moderators are already busy enough with running an election. Have you ever volunteered at an election? Please consider helping out instead of hindering.
Moderators already take the necessary steps regarding electioneering, covered by RSA 659:43. This bill is not needed. I ask that you vote ITL on HB 333.
As Milford's town and school district moderator for 17 years, I oppose this bill unless three amendments are made. My opinion is based on my experience overseeing 39 elections for the current 10,000 registered voters. I already have a layout, and I believe most moderators also do. Similarly, the candidates either know or ask where they can stand. My proposed amendments are: - Change the publication date from 5 days after the filing period to no less than one week before the election - Remove sending a copy to the Secretary of State as a waste of staff resources and instead indicate that the layout must be provided to the SOS upon request (for example, during staff attorneys' inspections of polling places on election days). - An exception must be allowed for elections that are postponed or relocated at the last minute. Lastly, I suggest the word "layout" is more appropriate than "schematic."
Why mess with what has worked for decades? What don't you trust about our election system, to want to cause more disruption in the process by putting more work on Moderators? In our town, we have never had a complaint about there not being enough space for electioneering.
I appreciate the opportunity to speak today about HB 333. This bill, which requires moderators to designate and provide a schematic of a specific electioneering area at polling places, has several commendable aspects as well as some potential challenges. On the positive side, the bill promotes transparency and clarity by ensuring that all candidates and voters know exactly where electioneering is permitted. Having a clearly marked area—especially one within sight and at conversation-level sound of the polling place entrance—can help reduce disputes and ensure that campaign activities are conducted in an orderly fashion. Additionally, posting the schematic publicly, including on municipal websites, fosters accountability and allows the community to verify that the designated area meets the established guidelines. At the same time, there are some concerns that need to be addressed. In smaller municipalities or polling places with unconventional layouts, it might be difficult to designate a suitable area that meets the bill’s requirements. This could lead to logistical challenges and increased administrative burdens for local election officials, who would need to develop and disseminate these schematics on a tight timeline. There is also the consideration that a fixed, designated area might limit where candidates choose to engage with voters, potentially restricting their campaign activities in ways that may not always align with local dynamics. In summary, while HB 333 has the potential to enhance transparency and ensure fair access to electioneering spaces, it also raises practical issues that could impact its implementation. I encourage further dialogue on how to address these challenges, so that we can preserve the benefits of a clear and accountable electioneering process without imposing undue burdens on our communities. Thank you for your time and consideration.
While I understand having the confines of the actual polling location being off-limits to electioneering, limiting the spaces where we as citizens area allowed to voice our opinions is a blatant attack on our freedom of speech.
It’s hard enough to find folks willing to volunteer their time to serve in town and municipal office. Adding the burden of a vindictive and punitive law does not help our small towns and villages serve their citizens.
Every time I vote I am reminded how much I value the lengthy distance that electioneers are forced to keep from the building entrance. Being forced to walk past anyone who may be trying to engage in conversation - especially in trying to change my mind about a personal, well-researched opinion - is extremely unwelcome at that time.
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