The American Democracy Minute Radio News Report & Podcast for Aug. 14, 2025
New Hampshire Governor Kelly Ayotte signed three election bills Aug. 1, one a positive reform requiring handicapped-accessible voting machines in all towns. The others, however, add barriers to disabled, elderly and other mail-in absentee voters.
House Bill 67 requires voting machines for the visually impaired be made available by the state to all voting precincts. The legislation is a response to 2024 challenges under the Americans with Disabilities Act, and is effective beginning in 2026.
But Ayotte also signed two bills adding barriers for vulnerable voters. She signed SB 218, requiring copies of proof of domicile and age, and a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers when registering by mail. Such requirements disproportionately impact the elderly and disabled, who may not have ready access to the documents or a means of copying them.
Even though all those documents would then be on file, another bill, SB 287, requires a copy of ID or notarized affidavit each time an absentee voter applies for an absentee ballot.
In a statement, the New Hampshire Campaign for Voting Rights wrote, “With her signature, Governor Ayotte just chose to make it harder for thousands of Granite Staters, especially our most vulnerable, to vote, all without solving a single real problem.”
We have the text of the bills and more at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org. I’m Brian Beihl.
Today’s Links
Articles & Resources:
NH General Court – Text of HB 67-FN-A – FINAL VERSION
NH General Court – Text of SB 218 – FINAL VERSION
NH General Court – Text of SB 287 – FINAL VERSION
Voting Rights Lab – New voting rules in New Hampshire
New Hampshire Bulletin – Ayotte signs bills to tighten absentee voting, ensure accessible voting
League of Women Voters NH – Issues & Actions – Aug. 1
Groups Taking Action:
NH Campaign for Voting Rights, Open Democracy Action, ACLU NH
Register or Check Your Voter Registration:
U.S. Election Assistance Commission – Register And Vote in Your State
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