WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 214

enabling no-excuse absentee registration and voting.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Debra Altschiller and 10 co-sponsors

SB 214 would have eliminated excuse requirements for absentee voting in New Hampshire, expanding ballot access by mail; it was killed in committee.

Inexpedient to Legislate, RC 16Y-8N, MA === BILL KILLED ===; 03/13/2025; SJ 7
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 214

Legislative bill overview

SB 214 would have eliminated the requirement for New Hampshire voters to provide an excuse (such as illness, travel, or work) to vote absentee by mail. Currently, New Hampshire law restricts absentee voting to specific circumstances; this bill would have allowed any registered voter to request an absentee ballot without justification.

Why is this important

Absentee voting access directly affects voter participation rates, particularly for people with inflexible work schedules, disabilities, caregiving responsibilities, or transportation challenges. This debate reflects a fundamental tension in voting policy between ballot access and election security/administration concerns that states nationwide continue to grapple with.

Potential points of contention

  • Voting access vs. election security: Supporters argue no-excuse absentee voting removes barriers to participation; opponents contend it increases administrative complexity and potential for fraud or error
  • State vs. national trends: Most U.S. states allow no-excuse absentee voting; New Hampshire's stricter approach reflects different policy philosophy about in-person voting
  • Implementation costs: Expanding absentee voting requires election officials to process more applications and ballots, raising questions about resource allocation and timeline feasibility

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.