Thank you for taking my comments! I would like to voice my opposition to HB 464 If passed, this bill will cause real problems counting the ballots we receive from the SOS's office. Here in Loudon, we count the received ballot THREE times to ensure an accurate count. This is done in view of the public, in the Town Clerk's office. We typically use one or both of the town clerks, myself (moderator), and at least one other member of the public (usually a Supervisor of the Checklist). There are times when the clerk, a Supervisor of the Checklist, and myself are all on the ballot at the same time. There are a lot of checks and balances already in place so I don't see the benefit of this change. Election officers (clerks, moderators, etc.) are exempt from some other laws related to counting after the polls close because it would be difficult to hold an election if we could not do our job. Please vote this bill down! Thank you Rodney Phillips Moderator, Town of Loudon
HB464
House · 2025 sessionDemocraticSigned into lawElection ballot counting and voter rules
AIProhibits certain political candidates from participating in ballot counting, permits use of personal information collected by other state agencies to determine voter eligibility, and requires reporting of low-value campaign donations.
(New Title) prohibiting certain candidates for political office from participating in counting ballots.
Status
Signed into law · August 11, 2025- ✓Introduced
- ✓House
- ✓Senate
- ✓Governor
- ✓Law
Division of testimony
38 submissionsIn our small town, it is nearly impossible to get community members or candidates to witness the counting--and testing--of ballots prior to an election. Excluding the Moderator and Town Clerk from this process would be a further handicap. We are trusted, constitutionally-sworn election officials. And while we obviously cannot be part of the counting of VOTED ballots, there is no reason why we can't be part of precount and pre-testing of ballots. This procedure is done with participation of a Supervisor of the Checklist and the Assistant Moderator. Wed rigorously count, re-count, and test (a subset) ballots to ensure that we have accurate starting counts, and have verified that the ballot counting device is functioning accurately (we test four different ways). Please withdraw this legislation--0r amend it to exempt Moderators, Clerks, and Supervisors who may be on the ballot from participating.
Why in the world should a candidate be allowed to count ballots??
Thank you for the opportunity to speak in support of HB464, which prohibits candidates appearing on the ballot from participating in the counting of ballots before the election. This bill is essential to ensuring that our electoral process remains fair, transparent, and trustworthy. First and foremost, the integrity of our elections must be upheld by safeguarding the process from even the perception of bias or conflict of interest. Allowing candidates to have a direct role in ballot counting before the election opens the door to potential influence, whether intentional or unintentional, over the final results. Voters must have confidence that their ballots are counted impartially, and any association between those handling ballots and candidates on the ballot may undermine that trust. By implementing this measure, we can ensure that the process of counting ballots is conducted by independent, neutral parties. This not only strengthens the credibility of election outcomes but also enhances public confidence in the election system. Elections should be free from any appearance of impropriety, and removing candidates from the ballot counting process before the election will help to protect the democratic process from any undue influence. Moreover, this bill aligns with the broader principles of transparency and fairness. In any system where elections are conducted, it is critical that all participants—voters, candidates, and election officials—are assured that the system operates with the utmost integrity. By keeping candidates away from ballot counting, we provide an extra layer of protection for the voters' rights and ensure that the election results reflect the true will of the people, free from interference. In conclusion, I strongly urge this committee to support HB464. By passing this bill, we take a significant step toward maintaining the fairness and integrity of our elections. It is essential that all citizens trust the process and the results, and this bill helps ensure that trust.
There is NO harm done by people on the ballot counting blank ballots before an election. Anyone should be able to assist the Moderator in the pre-counts of elections. We should be focusing on reducing this 500 page election law manual and not adding to it with unnecessary and unhelpful new laws. Thank you.
Duh
This support for this bill should be obvious to anyone who believes that potential conflicts of interest are always detrimental to fairness.
There often aren't enough people available to help with counting ballots on election day mornings before the polls open, and I see no valid reason to disallow candidates from helping with this necessary & burdensome task to count unmarked ballots.
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