Citizen in a RepublicNH Bill Briefing
← All bills

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.

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

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. 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.