New Hampshire Governor Signs Law Mandating Voter ID and Citizenship Proof

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New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu signed a controversial bill into law on Thursday that will require voters to present photo identification and proof of citizenship before casting their ballots. The new law, House Bill 1569, passed through the state’s Republican-controlled legislature back in May but will not take effect until after the 2024 election.

The law stipulates that individuals registering to vote on Election Day must provide a valid form of photo identification, such as a driver’s license, or citizenship documentation, like a birth certificate or passport, before they are allowed to vote. Previously, voters could cast a ballot if election officials could verify their identity through other means, including signed affidavits. However, the new law eliminates these provisions, which had provided some flexibility for voters without the required documents.

Governor Sununu signed the bill 54 days before the upcoming election, but the law's provisions will not impact this year’s voters, as it will only come into effect 60 days after its passage. This delay means the law will be in place for future elections, including the 2026 midterms.

The bill’s passage has drawn significant criticism from both sides of the political spectrum. State Representative Angela Brennan (D) expressed strong opposition, stating that the bill is "unconstitutional" and predicting costly legal challenges funded by New Hampshire taxpayers. She noted that even some Republicans, including Senator Jim Gray, have voiced concerns about the law’s constitutionality.

Despite the controversy, supporters of the bill argue that it is necessary to ensure the integrity of the state’s elections. However, critics, including advocacy groups like the League of Women Voters of New Hampshire, argue that the new requirements will make voter registration more difficult, particularly for individuals who may not have all their documentation readily available on Election Day.

The debate over voter identification laws continues to be a contentious issue in New Hampshire and across the country, with proponents advocating for stricter measures to prevent fraud, while opponents warn of potential voter suppression, especially among marginalized communities. As the law is set to take effect in the coming months, its impact on future elections will be closely monitored by both supporters and critics alike.