Democrats File Legislation to Repeal New ‘Voter Suppression’ Law

CONCORD – Representative Connie Lane, D-Concord , filed legislation Friday for the 2025 session that would repeal a law signed Thursday eliminating all voter affidavits.

Despite concern from a number of groups that it could disenfranchise voters, Gov. Chris Sununu signed House Bill 1569 which would eliminate any exceptions to the state’s Voting ID laws and require a birth certificate or passport.

Because the bill will not go into effect for 60 days from its signing Thursday, it will not impact the 2024 election cycle, which includes the Nov. 5 election and its earliest implementation date would be Nov. 12.

“The voter suppression legislation recently signed by Governor Sununu is unnecessary and discriminatory,” Lane said in a news release. “As the governor acknowledges, New Hampshire’s elections are secure and run very, very well. Eliminating all voter affidavits enacts new barriers to voting and harms many individuals with disabilities. Repealing this law will preserve our free, fair elections and retain equal access to the ballot box.”

The legislation she requested is a straight repeal of HB 1569, and would return the statute to the language that existed prior to HB 1569 being signed Thursday.

Sponsored by former Supreme Court Chief Justice and State Rep. Robert Lynn, R-Windham, the bill https://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill_status/billinfo.aspx?id=1198&inflect=2 was opposed by the New Hampshire Democracy Fund, the American Civil Liberties Union of New Hampshire, Open Democracy NH, the Kent Street Coalition, 603 Forward and the League of Women Voters.

House Democratic Leader Matt Wilhelm, D-Manchester, said Thursday, “Governor Sununu’s signature on HB 1569, which would disenfranchise new voters and override election laws the GOP enacted just two years ago, underscores the bait and switch deception tactics that we have come to expect from New Hampshire Republicans.”

After signing the bill, Sununu said: “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.”