Citizen in a RepublicNH Bill Briefing
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HB 1520 · 2026 · House · Election Law Committee

New Hampshire citizenship cards for voting

AI-generated

defining citizenship for the purposes of voting.

Defines New Hampshire and United States citizenship for voting purposes, requires the secretary of state to issue New Hampshire citizenship cards, and requires voters to present proof of state citizenship when registering.AI-generated

Status

Killed in the House — Inexpedient to Legislate · February 19, 2026
  1. Introduced
  2. House
  3. Senate
  4. Governor
  5. Law

Analysis

This bill defines both New Hampshire and United States citizenship for the purposes of voting. This bill also requires the secretary of state to distribute New Hampshire citizenship cards to native citizens and those persons from other states who take an oath of allegiance to the state of New Hampshire.

From the bill's official ANALYSIS section.

Official record

gc.nh.gov · the authoritative source

Sponsors

Rep. Robert WherryRPrimeChair· Special Committee on COVID Response Efficacy
  • Rep. Claudine BurnhamRClerk· Election Law

Also: Rep. Matt Sabourin dit ChoinièreR, Rep. Linda McGrathR, Rep. Mary FordR, Rep. Mary MurphyR, Rep. Alvin SeeR

Public testimony

2,451 signed in online · 1,285 wrote testimony

1% support99% oppose0% neutral

ForOnly citizens should be able to vote

AgainstOath of allegiance is authoritarian and un-American

AI-generatedLeading arguments, summarized by the testimony tool.

Read the arguments

In their wordsVerbatim, exactly as submitted

I support this bill because only US and NH citizens should be allowed to vote in our elections.
Daniel Gialanella, Chestersupports
It's an absolute no brainer that people should have to prove they are legal citizens and residents of New Hampshire in order to vote in our election. Any rep who opposes HB1520 is a corrupt individual who seeks to disenfranchise the legal votes of NH American Citizens.
Andrew Giaquinta, Brentwoodsupports
I absolutely positively support this bill. Only American citizens should be able to vote in our elections.
Tina Hood, New Ipswichsupports
This is just the stupid rethoric of the republican party. Having a real id should suffice not introducing another id for another specific purpose.
Benjamin Roy, Concord · My familyopposes
This is a huge inconvenience for everyone. Citizens have identification already.
Elizabeth Goodhue, Peterboroughopposes
This is a terrible and costly bill. $2.5 million to undermine our democracy by making it yet harder to exercise our constitutional right to vote is the wrong direction for the Live Free state! Please ITL
Abby evankow, Gorhamopposes
People should vote in the State and Town in which they reside. I think the card idea is good but feel to get one you MUST prove residency in the State of New Hampshire and the Town in which you are casting votes. This would eliminate lines at the poles for people registering.
Debra Reilly, Gilsumneutral

Verbatim excerpts of submitted testimony, quoted from the testimony tool.

Read the testimony · as of Aug 12, 2026

Hearings

  • 2026-01-2710:20 amHouse Election LawGP 158Public hearing
  • 2026-02-0310:10 amHouse Election LawGP 158Public hearing

Legislative history

  1. Jan 7, 2026HouseIntroduced 01/07/2026 and referred to Election Law HJ 1 P. 24
  2. Jan 27, 2026HousePublic Hearing: 01/27/2026 10:20 am GP 158
  3. Feb 3, 2026HouseExecutive Session: 02/03/2026 10:10 am GP 158
  4. Feb 3, 2026House: Inexpedient to Legislate 02/03/2026 (Vote 15-0; CC) HC 7 P. 10
  5. Feb 19, 2026HouseInexpedient to Legislate: MA VV 02/19/2026 HJ 5 P. 13

Coverage

No reporting linked yet.

Documents (PDF)

Bill text & amendments link direct to gc.nh.gov; committee reports stream from the state record.