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HB 1601 · 2026 · House · Election Law Committee

Voter education on law changes

AI-generated

requiring the secretary of state to create a voter education program that includes information on recent changes to voting laws.

Directs the secretary of state to create a voter education program informing voters of recent changes to voting laws, funded with $50,000 from Help America Vote Act federal funds.AI-generated

Status

Referred to interim study (Senate) · May 7, 2026
  1. Introduced
  2. House
  3. Senate
  4. Governor
  5. Law

Analysis

This bill requires the secretary of state to create a voter education program that includes information on recent changes to voting laws.

From the bill's official ANALYSIS section.

Official record

gc.nh.gov · the authoritative source

Sponsors

Rep. Matthew WilhelmDPrimeDemocratic Caucus Chair
  • Rep. Ross BerryRChair· Election Law

Public testimony

316 signed in online · 59 wrote testimony

100% support0% oppose0% neutral

ForRecent law changes cause confusion and turn away eligible voters

AI-generatedLeading arguments, summarized by the testimony tool.

Read the arguments

In their wordsVerbatim, exactly as submitted

This bill is as anti-American as the entirety of the Republican Party’s agenda. Keep the church and state separate in New Hampshire.
Marlana Lord, Franklinsupports
This would be an excellent idea since there are so many changes.
Susan Orkin, Granthamsupports
Given the recent changes to voting laws that many people are unaware of, it is vitally important that we educate our citizens about them so that they will not be surprised or unable to vote on Election day. As a democracy, why would we not do this?
Mary Livingston, Langdonsupports

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

Read the testimony · as of Aug 12, 2026

Hearings

  • 2026-02-1010:20 amHouse Election LawGP 158Public hearing
  • 2026-03-319:00 amSenate Election Law and Municipal AffairsSH 122-123Public hearing

Legislative history

  1. Jan 7, 2026HouseIntroduced 01/07/2026 and referred to Election Law HJ 1 P. 27
  2. Feb 10, 2026HousePublic Hearing: 02/10/2026 10:20 am GP 158
  3. Feb 17, 2026HouseExecutive Session: 02/17/2026 01:40 pm GP 158
  4. Feb 17, 2026House: Ought to Pass 02/17/2026 (Vote 15-0; RC) HC 10 P. 44
  5. Mar 11, 2026HouseOught to Pass: MA VV 03/11/2026 HJ 7
  6. Mar 12, 2026SenIntroduced 03/12/2026 and Referred to Election Law and Municipal Affairs; SJ 7
  7. Mar 31, 2026SenHearing: 03/31/2026, Room 122-123, SH, 09:15 am; SC 12
  8. May 7, 2026Sen: Referred to Interim Study, 05/07/2026; Vote 5-0; CC; SC 17
  9. May 7, 2026SenRefer to Interim Study, MA, VV; 05/07/2026; SJ 11

Coverage

No reporting linked yet.

Documents (PDF)

  • Introducedversion

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