Governor Sununu Approves Controversial New Hampshire Voter ID Legislation

Person signing a document with a pen.

Governor Chris Sununu signed a controversial voter ID and proof-of-citizenship law that will go into effect just after the November election, drawing both praise and criticism.

At a Glance

  • Gov. Chris Sununu signed House Bill 1569 into law, requiring proof of citizenship for voter registration in New Hampshire.
  • The law mandates documentation such as a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers to prove citizenship.
  • It removes exceptions to the state’s voter ID requirements and eliminates the affidavit ballot system.
  • The law will take effect in 60 days, not impacting the upcoming November general election.
  • Voting rights activists argue the bill will disenfranchise qualified voters.

Governor Sununu Signs New Legislation

Governor Chris Sununu of New Hampshire has signed the highly-anticipated House Bill 1569 into law, making significant changes to the state’s voter identification and registration requirements. This new legislation mandates that all those registering to vote must provide proof of citizenship. Acceptable documents include a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers. The law also removes previous exceptions to the state’s voter ID requirements and eliminates the affidavit ballot system.

The introduction of this legislation is especially significant given the current political climate and the close race for control over the state’s House and gubernatorial position. Sununu has emphasized that the law is a step towards reinforcing the integrity and trust in New Hampshire’s electoral process. “We have a proud tradition and proven track record of conducting elections that are trusted and true. Looking forward to the next decade or two, this legislation will instill even more integrity and trust in the voting process,” Sununu said in a statement.

Contested Legislation

The signing of the bill was met with strong opinions on both sides of the aisle. While proponents, including the bill’s introducer, state Rep. Robert Lynn, argue it is a reasonable measure to secure the elections, critics are concerned. Lynn stated, “It’s not unreasonable to require people to be responsible and to do the things that they’re supposed to do in order to be qualified to vote.”

Opponents of the bill, however, are vocal about their concerns. Voting rights activists and civil liberties groups argue that the law could disenfranchise eligible voters who may not have the required documentation. Gilles Bissonnette of the ACLU of New Hampshire criticized the bill and hinted at potential legal challenges to come. Furthermore, McKenzie Taylor from the New Hampshire Campaign for Voting Rights warned about the law’s implications: “This extreme legislation signed by the governor will roll back voting access for all eligible Granite Staters.”

Impact on Upcoming Elections

One of the critical points emphasized by Governor Sununu is that the law will not take effect until 60 days, which means it will not impact the upcoming general election in November. However, concerns remain about its long-term effects on voter turnout and accessibility. Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen condemned the bill, calling it “un-American” and accusing Republicans of making voter registration more difficult.

Despite these controversies, Republican lawmakers defend the law as a necessary expansion of voter identification policies. They argue that the inclusion of proof of citizenship will enhance the security of elections, especially with the increasing concerns about noncitizen voting and migrant influxes potentially affecting voter rolls. “While this law would not be in effect for the upcoming election, any change in law this close to a major election risks confusing all voters,” said Lauren Kunis, director of the advocacy group Vote Riders.

Sources:

  1. Gov. Chris Sununu signs new voting rules bill into law, though it won’t take effect until after election
  2. N.H. governor signs voter ID overhaul, setting stage for likely court challenge
  3. N.H. governor signs law tightening voter ID, proof of citizenship rules after next election
  4. Sununu signs voter ID law, Democrats threaten lawsuits
  5. Sununu signs strict voter ID bill; law will take effect after November election
  6. New Hampshire governor signs voter proof-of-citizenship to take effect after November elections
  7. Sununu Concerned About Implementing Controversial Voting Bill Before Elections
  8. New Hampshire governor signs voter proof-of-citizenship to take effect after November elections
  9. Sununu Signs Law Ending Voting Without ID — Starting Next Year
  10. Timing questions face voting rules bill headed to New Hampshire governor’s desk

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