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New HampshireSB2122025-2026 Regular SessionSenate

SB212

Sponsored By: David Rochefort (Republican)

Became Law

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 4 mixed.

3% signatures to get on ballot

A political group must file nomination papers signed by registered voters equal to 3% of all ballots cast in the last state general election. This sets the signature number using total ballots from the prior state general election.

New rules for write-in nominations

A person not printed on a party’s primary ballot gets that party’s nomination only if they receive at least 35 write-in votes or 10% of that party’s primary ballots, whichever is smaller. To accept a write-in nomination, they must file a declaration of candidacy with the secretary of state by the first Monday after the primary. The declaration applies to the general election even if the form says "primary election." The person does not have to pay the administrative assessment under RSA 655:19-c. If a write-in winner is disqualified, the nomination goes to the qualified person with the most write-in votes who also meets the same 35-vote or 10% floor.

Recount requests limited to close races

A candidate may ask for a state general election recount only if the vote difference is less than 20% of all ballots cast in the towns for that office. The request must be in writing to the secretary of state by the Friday after the election, and required fees apply. Each candidate may request only one recount. The secretary of state's result is final unless appealed to the ballot law commission. If several candidates apply, one completed recount covers the office and does not trigger a second recount.

Tiered state recount fees and refunds

State recount fees depend on the vote margin and the office. If the margin is under 1%, fees range from $500 for top offices to $10 for state representative. If the margin is 1–2%, fees double, and at 2–3% they rise again. If the margin is over 3%, you must pay the 2–3% fee, agree in writing to pay extra costs, and the secretary of state may require prepayment of estimated costs. If you lose a recount by less than 1%, the secretary of state must refund any amount you paid above the under-1% fee within 10 days.

Town recount notices, fees, and refunds

The town clerk must notify each candidate at least 3 days before a town recount. Town recount fees are $10 if the margin is under 1%, $20 if 1–2%, and $40 if 2–3%. If the margin is over 3%, you pay the $40 fee and must agree in writing to pay extra costs. If the recount makes you the winner, the clerk must return all fees within 10 days. If you lose by under 1%, the clerk must return any amount you paid above the $10 tier within 10 days.

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

  1. Signed by the Governor on 06/17/2025; Chapter 0102; Effective 06/17/2025

    6/18/2025Senate

  2. Enrolled (in recess of) 06/05/2025 HJ 16 P. 167

    6/9/2025House

  3. Enrolled Adopted, VV, (In recess 06/05/2025); SJ 16

    6/9/2025Senate

  4. Sen. Gray Moved to Concur with the House Amendment, MA, VV; 05/08/2025; SJ 12

    5/8/2025Senate

  5. Ought to Pass with Amendment 2025-1695h: MA VV 05/01/2025 HJ 13 P. 3

    5/1/2025House

  6. Amendment # 2025-1695h: AA VV 05/01/2025 HJ 13 P. 3

    5/1/2025House

  7. Committee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2025-1695h 04/22/2025 (Vote 15-0; CC) HC 22 P. 7

    4/23/2025House

  8. Executive Session: 04/22/2025 10:20 am LOB 306-308

    4/23/2025House

  9. ==CANCELLED== Executive Session: 04/29/2025 10:00 am LOB 306-308

    4/8/2025House

  10. Public Hearing: 04/22/2025 10:20 am LOB 306-308

    4/8/2025House

  11. Introduced (in recess of) 03/27/2025 and referred to Election Law HJ 11 P. 113

    3/28/2025House

  12. Ought to Pass with Amendment #2025-0393s, MA, VV; OT3rdg; 03/06/2025; SJ 6

    3/6/2025Senate

  13. Committee Amendment # 2025-0393s, AA, VV; 03/06/2025; SJ 6

    3/6/2025Senate

  14. Committee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2025-0393s, 03/06/2025; Vote 5-0; CC; SC 11

    2/12/2025Senate

  15. Hearing: 02/04/2025, Room 103, LOB, 09:45 am; SC 8

    1/30/2025Senate

  16. Introduced 01/09/2025 and Referred to Election Law and Municipal Affairs; SJ 3

    1/23/2025Senate

Bill Text

  • Enrolled

    6/9/2025

    HTML

  • Introduced

    1/23/2025

    PDF

  • CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION

    PDF

  • Version adopted by both bodies

    PDF

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