SB287 and SB213 notarized absentee applications

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Email Subject:

Dear [Your Elected Official],

As a New Hampshire voter, I am writing to express my strong opposition to SB287 and SB213, both of which would impose excessive and unnecessary barriers on absentee voting.
SB287 would require voters to submit a copy of their photo ID with their absentee ballot application. For those requesting their ballot be sent to a different address, it would mandate presenting ID prior to election day or submitting a notarized signature, services which can be expensive and difficult to access.
SB213 would require proof of identity, citizenship, and domicile, as well as a witness affirmation signed by a Notary Public or Justice of the Peace. These requirements would disproportionately affect vulnerable groups like the elderly, voters with disabilities, students, and military personnel, many of whom already face significant challenges when voting.
Requiring notarization and copies of official documents for absentee ballot applications is an undue burden that can and will prevent eligible citizens from voting, threatening the very foundation of our democratic process.
Please stand with New Hampshire voters and recommend SB287 and SB213 as inexpedient to legislate. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

[Your City & State]

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Summary

In the wake of HB 1569, which was passed last year and has already worked to disenfranchise eligible voters during town elections, some legislators want to go even further. Two bills currently under consideration, SB287 and SB213, introduce highly restrictive measures for voters seeking to cast absentee ballots in New Hampshire. These proposed laws would create unnecessary and burdensome hurdles that disproportionately affect vulnerable populations such as the elderly, voters with disabilities, students, low-income individuals, and those serving in the military. SB287: If requesting the ballot be mailed to a different address, voters must show photo ID before election day, or submit their application with a notarized signature - adding significant financial and logistical barriers Creates two classes of voters: verified and unverified Signature matching is used if notarized signature or photo-ID are not provided, which was ruled unconstitutional in Saucedo v. Gardner (2018) SB213: Requires voters provide proof of identity, U.S. citizenship, age, and domicile again when applying for an absentee ballot Requires a witness affirmation signed by a Notary Public or Justice of the Peace to confirm the voter's identity, imposing undue burdens that may suppress turnout Signature matching is used if copies of birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers are not provided, which was ruled unconstitutional in Saucedo v. Gardner (2018)

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