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SB 44 · 2026 · Senate · Election Law and Municipal Affairs Committee

Hand counting of ballots

AI-generated

relative to hand counts of ballots in elections.

Allows a voter in a precinct using electronic ballot counting devices to request that their ballot be counted by hand.AI-generated

Status

Killed in the House — Inexpedient to Legislate · January 7, 2026
  1. ✓Introduced
  2. ✓Senate
  3. ✕House
  4. Governor
  5. Law

Analysis

This bill requires a hand recount on the request of 100 registered voters in one city, town, or municipality using electronic ballot counting machines.

From the bill's official ANALYSIS section.

Official record

Bill page — docket & status

gc.nh.gov · the authoritative source

Sponsors

Sen. Kevin AvardRPrimeDeputy Majority Whip

Public testimony

No one submitted online testimony on this bill. See the record

Hearings

  • 2025-01-219:20 amSenate Election Law and Municipal AffairsLOB 103Public hearing
  • 2025-04-2210:00 amHouse Election LawLOB 306-308Public hearingrescheduled
  • 2025-04-2910:00 amHouse Election LawLOB 306-308Public hearingcancelled
  • 2025-05-2710:10 amHouse Election LawLOB 306-308Public hearing
  • 2025-09-1610:15 amHouse Election LawGP 158Public hearing

Legislative history

  1. Jan 9, 2025SenIntroduced 01/09/2025 and Referred to Election Law and Municipal Affairs; SJ 3
  2. Jan 21, 2025SenHearing: 01/21/2025, Room 103, LOB, 09:30 am; SC 7
  3. Mar 13, 2025SenCommittee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2025-0730s, 03/13/2025; Vote 5-0; CC; SC 12
  4. Mar 13, 2025SenCommittee Amendment # 2025-0730s, AA, VV; 03/13/2025; SJ 7
  5. Mar 13, 2025SenOught to Pass with Amendment #2025-0730s, MA, VV; OT3rdg; 03/13/2025; SJ 7
  6. Mar 27, 2025HouseIntroduced (in recess of) 03/27/2025 and referred to Election Law HJ 11 P. 110
  7. Apr 22, 2025HousePublic Hearing: 04/22/2025 10:00 am LOB 306-308
  8. Apr 29, 2025House==CANCELLED== Executive Session: 04/29/2025 10:00 am LOB 306-308
  9. May 27, 2025HouseExecutive Session: 05/27/2025 10:00 am LOB 306-308
  10. May 27, 2025HouseRetained in Committee
  11. Sep 16, 2025HouseExecutive Session: 09/16/2025 10:15 am GP 158
  12. Sep 16, 2025House: Inexpedient to Legislate 09/16/2025 (Vote 17-0; CC) HC 51 P. 9
  13. Jan 7, 2026HouseInexpedient to Legislate: MA VV 01/07/2026 HJ 1 P. 50

Coverage

No reporting linked yet.

Documents (PDF)

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