changing references from "votes" to "ballots" in the laws regarding elections.
Sponsored By: David Rochefort (Republican)
Signed by Governor
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
Ballot counts change candidates’ recount rules
Effective immediately upon passage, New Hampshire uses total ballots cast for specified recount eligibility, fee, and refund thresholds. State general-election candidates with at least one vote can request a recount when their gap from the winner is under 20% of ballots cast in the towns comprising the office. Written applications go to the Secretary of State by the Friday after the election. Each candidate gets only one recount under these rules; multiple applicants do not trigger another completed recount. The Secretary’s result is final, subject to appeal to the Ballot Law Commission. Base fee amounts stay unchanged, but ballot-based margins determine which fee applies. For margins under 1%, from 1% to under 2%, and from 2% to under 3%, respectively, fees are: president, U.S. senator, or governor, $500/$1,000/$2,000; U.S. representative, $250/$500/$1,000; executive councilor, $100/$200/$400; state senator or county officer, $50/$100/$200; and state representative, $10/$20/$40. At margins of 3% or more, state recount applicants pay the statutory fee and agree in writing to cover additional costs. The Secretary can require estimated additional costs before starting. Town recount fees are $10 below 1%, $20 in the 1%–2% band, and $40 in the 2%–3% band. Above 3%, town applicants pay the statutory fee and agree to cover additional costs. Town clerks must notify candidates at least three days before a recount. If a recount leaves an applicant losing by less than 1% of ballots cast, the Secretary or town clerk must return excess fees within 10 days.
Ballot counts change election nomination thresholds
Effective immediately upon passage, New Hampshire measures political organizations’ nomination-paper signature requirement against 3% of ballots cast in the previous state general election. Some party-primary write-in rules now use 10% of ballots cast for that party, with the smaller 35-vote alternative retained. One primary write-in rule still uses 10% of votes cast, so not every threshold changes to ballots. If a write-in nominee is disqualified, the nomination passes to the qualified write-in leader who meets the applicable threshold. The law also clarifies how declarations filed by the first Monday after the primary count for general-election forms.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
David Rochefort
Republican • Senate
Cosponsors
Katherine J. Prudhomme-O'Brien
Republican • House
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
Actions Timeline
Signed by the Governor on 06/17/2025; Chapter 0102; Effective 06/17/2025
6/18/2025SenateEnrolled (in recess of) 06/05/2025 HJ 16 P. 167
6/9/2025HouseEnrolled Adopted, VV, (In recess 06/05/2025); SJ 16
6/9/2025SenateSen. Gray Moved to Concur with the House Amendment, MA, VV; 05/08/2025; SJ 12
5/8/2025SenateOught to Pass with Amendment 2025-1695h: MA VV 05/01/2025 HJ 13 P. 3
5/1/2025HouseAmendment # 2025-1695h: AA VV 05/01/2025 HJ 13 P. 3
5/1/2025HouseCommittee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2025-1695h 04/22/2025 (Vote 15-0; CC) HC 22 P. 7
4/23/2025HouseExecutive Session: 04/22/2025 10:20 am LOB 306-308
4/23/2025House==CANCELLED== Executive Session: 04/29/2025 10:00 am LOB 306-308
4/8/2025HousePublic Hearing: 04/22/2025 10:20 am LOB 306-308
4/8/2025HouseIntroduced (in recess of) 03/27/2025 and referred to Election Law HJ 11 P. 113
3/28/2025HouseOught to Pass with Amendment #2025-0393s, MA, VV; OT3rdg; 03/06/2025; SJ 6
3/6/2025SenateCommittee Amendment # 2025-0393s, AA, VV; 03/06/2025; SJ 6
3/6/2025SenateCommittee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2025-0393s, 03/06/2025; Vote 5-0; CC; SC 11
2/12/2025SenateHearing: 02/04/2025, Room 103, LOB, 09:45 am; SC 8
1/30/2025SenateIntroduced 01/09/2025 and Referred to Election Law and Municipal Affairs; SJ 3
1/23/2025Senate
Bill Text
Enrolled
6/9/2025
Introduced
1/23/2025
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION
Version adopted by both bodies
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