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Bill

CACR 14

relating to qualifications for office. Providing that candidates of the office of governor, state senator, and state representative shall be citizens of the United States.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Bob Lynn and 2 co-sponsors

New Hampshire constitutional amendment proposal requiring U.S. citizenship for governor, state senator, and state representative candidates, elevating existing statutory requirement to constitutional status.

Ought to Pass: MF RC 182-157 Lacking Necessary Three-Fifths Vote 03/05/2026 HJ 6 P. 109
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · CACR 14

Legislative bill overview

CACR 14 proposes a constitutional amendment requiring that candidates for Governor, State Senator, and State Representative be U.S. citizens. Currently, New Hampshire state law requires citizenship for these offices, but this bill would enshrine the requirement in the state constitution, making it a higher legal standard that cannot be easily changed by statute.

Why is this important

Constitutional amendments represent fundamental changes to state governance and are substantially harder to modify than regular laws. This proposal would elevate citizenship requirements to constitutional status, potentially signaling legislative intent to make this requirement more permanent and difficult to challenge or alter in the future.

Potential points of contention

  • Constitutional necessity: Critics argue citizenship is already adequately addressed in state statute and that amending the constitution may be unnecessary for a requirement that faces minimal real-world challenge
  • Symbolic vs. substantive: Supporters may view this as reaffirming core democratic principles, while opponents may see it as performative legislation addressing a non-existent problem
  • Amendment process burden: Constitutional amendments require significant legislative supermajority support and voter approval, raising questions about whether this issue warrants that level of commitment compared to other pressing state concerns

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

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