Citizen in a RepublicNH Bill Briefing
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HB 1821 · 2026 · House · Election Law Committee

Public access to ballot images

AI-generated

exempting certain information collected from electronic ballot counting devices from right-to-know law restrictions.

Clarifies the retention period for ballot images and cast vote records and requires their public availability within 48 hours after each election and before the recount deadline.AI-generated

Status

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

Analysis

This bill clarifies the retention period for ballot images and cast vote records and requires that such images and records be made publicly available within the 48 hours following each election and before the statutory recount request deadline.

From the bill's official ANALYSIS section.

In the bill's words

Quoted verbatim from the bill as introduced. Passages chosen from the operative text.Computed by this site

“The secretary of state shall provide on the top of the general election ballot the following voting instructions.”
RSA 659:17
“The secretary of state is authorized to replace the phrase "Make the appropriate mark" with an appropriate description and example of the mark to be made for the type of ballot in use, such as "Make a cross (X) in the box" or "Completely fill in the oval": 1) To Vote Make the appropriate mark to the right of your choice.”
RSA 659:17
“In cities and towns where an electronic ballot counting device is used for the counting of ballots, as provided in RSA 656:40, there shall be a square, box, oval, or other appropriate symbol for directing the voters where to make the appropriate mark directly to the right of each "write-in" space.”
RSA 659:17

Official record

Bill page — docket & status

gc.nh.gov · the authoritative source

Sponsors

Rep. Julius SotiRPrime
  • Rep. Ellen ReadDDeputy Ranking Member· Housing

Also: Rep. Kelley PotenzaR, Rep. Terri O'RorkeD

Public testimony

8 signed in online · 2 wrote testimony

88% support13% oppose0% neutral

In their wordsVerbatim, exactly as submitted

“Purpose: Transparency in elections is the basis of citizens’ trust in our government. In NH, candidates for elected office and voters have both a fundamental right and duty to ensure that election results are legitimate. NH Const. pt 1, art.…”
— Deborah Sumner, Jaffreysupports
“I support this bill because it removes barriers to information, helping all voters make informed decisions. This strengthens inclusion and participation in our democracy.”
— CARA CABRAL, MADBURYsupports

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

Read the testimony · as of Aug 12, 2026

Votes

yeanay
Starting text: Bill as introduced
  • Feb 3, 2026HouseCommittee report· consent calendarCommittee report: Inexpedient to Legislate16–0
    Overall
    100% yea
  • Mar 5, 2026HouseVoice voteInexpedient to Legislateadopted

Hearings and debates

  • Jan 27, 2026Public hearingHouse Election Law5:06:14–5:12:596m 45slocated in the stream transcriptPublic Hearing
  • Feb 3, 2026Public hearingHouse Election Law1:46:41–1:50:043m 23slocated in the stream transcriptCommittee Report: Inexpedient to Legislate; Executive Session
  • Mar 5, 2026Floor debateHouse floorWatchnot located in the transcript — opens the full streamInexpedient to Legislate — adopted, voice vote

Timestamps locate where this bill is taken up in the chamber's YouTube stream.

Legislative history

  1. Jan 7, 2026HouseIntroduced 01/07/2026 and referred to Election Law HJ 1 P. 37
  2. Jan 27, 2026HousePublic Hearing: 01/27/2026 03:00 pm GP 158
  3. Feb 3, 2026HouseExecutive Session: 02/03/2026 10:10 am GP 158
  4. Feb 3, 2026HouseCommittee Report: Inexpedient to Legislate 02/03/2026 (Vote 16-0; CC) HC 9 P. 14
  5. Mar 5, 2026HouseInexpedient to Legislate: MA VV 03/05/2026 HJ 6 P. 15

Coverage

No reporting linked yet.

Documents (PDF)

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