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HB 1604 · 2026 · House · Election Law Committee

Public buildings as polling places

AI-generated

requiring suitable public facilities such as schools and town halls be made available as polling places upon request by local election officials.

Requires suitable public facilities such as schools and town halls to be made available as polling places upon request by local election officials.AI-generated

Status

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

Analysis

This bill requires suitable public facilities such as schools and town halls be made available as polling places upon request by local election officials.

From the bill's official ANALYSIS section.

In the bill's words

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

“When designated as a polling place, such facility shall be reserved as necessary to ensure the conduct of the election and the free and convenient access of voters, election officials, and equipment, while permitting the continuation of normal governmental or educational operations, including emergency response and public safety services.”
RSA 658:9-b
“The municipality shall be responsible for reasonable costs directly related to such use, including custodial services, utilities, and security, unless otherwise agreed by the parties.”
RSA 658:9-b

Official record

Bill page — docket & status

gc.nh.gov · the authoritative source

Sponsors

Rep. James GuzofskiRPrime
  • Rep. Ross BerryRChair· Election Law
  • Rep. James QualeyRVice Chair· Election Law
  • Rep. Robert WherryRChair· Special Committee on COVID Response Efficacy
  • Rep. Claudine BurnhamRClerk· Election Law
  • Rep. Russell MuirheadDDeputy Ranking Member· Election Law

Also: Rep. Alvin SeeR

Public testimony

5 signed in online · 1 wrote testimony

80% support20% oppose0% neutral

In their wordsVerbatim, exactly as submitted

“Accessible, well-equipped polling places increase participation and equity in elections.”
— Hannah Meiselman, Manchestersupports

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 17, 2026HouseCommittee report· regular calendarCommittee report: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2026-0676h15–0
    Overall
    100% yea
  • Mar 11, 2026HouseVoice voteAmendment 2026-0676hadopted
  • Mar 11, 2026HouseVoice voteOught to Pass with Amendment 2026-0676hadopted
    Resulting text: Bill as amended by the House
  • May 7, 2026SenateCommittee reportCommittee report: Referred to Interim Study5–0
    Overall
    100% yea
  • May 7, 2026SenateVoice voteRefer to Interim Studyadopted

Hearings and debates

  • Feb 3, 2026Public hearingHouse Election LawWatchnot located in the transcript — opens the full streamPublic Hearing
  • Mar 11, 2026Floor debateHouse floor6:42:56–6:44:411m 45slocated in the stream transcriptOught to Pass with Amendment 2026-0676h — adopted, voice vote; Amendment # 2026-0676h — adopted, voice vote
  • Apr 14, 2026Public hearingSenate Election Law and Municipal AffairsWatchnot located in the transcript — opens the full streamHearing
  • May 7, 2026Floor debateSenate floorWatchnot located in the transcript — opens the full streamCommittee Report: Referred to Interim Study; Refer to Interim Study — 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. 27
  2. Feb 3, 2026HousePublic Hearing: 02/03/2026 11:00 am GP 158
  3. Feb 10, 2026House==RECESSED== Executive Session: 02/10/2026 11:00 am GP 158
  4. Feb 17, 2026House==CONTINUED== Executive Session: 02/17/2026 01:40 pm GP 158
  5. Feb 17, 2026House: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2026-0676h 02/17/2026 (Vote 15-0; RC) HC 10 P. 44
  6. Mar 11, 2026HouseAmendment # 2026-0676h: AA VV 03/11/2026 HJ 7 P. 162
  7. Mar 11, 2026HouseOught to Pass with Amendment 2026-0676h: MA VV 03/11/2026 HJ 7 P. 162
  8. Mar 12, 2026SenIntroduced 03/12/2026 and Referred to Election Law and Municipal Affairs; SJ 7
  9. Apr 14, 2026SenHearing: 04/14/2026, Room 122-123, SH, 09:15 am; SC 14
  10. May 7, 2026Sen: Referred to Interim Study, 05/07/2026; Vote 5-0; CC; SC 17
  11. May 7, 2026SenRefer to Interim Study, MA, VV; 05/07/2026; SJ 11

Coverage

No reporting linked yet.

Documents (PDF)

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