NHCVR Statement on Voters Turned Away on Town Meeting Day
For Immediate Release:
March 11, 2025
Contact: McKenzie Taylor
603 491 6975
mtaylor@americavotes.org
New Hampshire Campaign for Voting Rights Statement on Voters Turned Away on Town Meeting Day
Concord, N.H. — Today, non-partisan observers volunteering with New Hampshire Campaign for Voting Rights partners observed over 30 voters turned away from the polls before the evening rush even began, likely as a result of not being able to sign affidavits to register or vote under HB1569. These voters were turned away because of lacking identity or citizenship documents, many of whom were women whose married name did not match the document proving citizenship. Even with limited election observers, rejected voters were observed in Amherst, Andover, Bedford, Durham, Hampton, Hudson, Londonderry, Milford, New London, Pelham, and Windham.
Sarah Chouinard, New Hampshire Campaign for Voting Rights Program Manager, issued the following statement:
“The right to vote is core to our freedom, but today we’ve seen voters across the state denied the ability to make their voices heard at the ballot box. This new restrictive system, which has resulted in 25 to 30 percent of new registrants in some towns being rejected from casting a ballot, is an insult to Granite Staters who pride themselves on high participation rates and strong civic engagement.”
###
Background: HB1569, signed into law by then Governor Sununu and in effect since November 11, 2024, removes the affidavit process and requires all voters provide a photo ID to check into vote, and that all voters provide proof of identity, age, domicile, and citizenship when they register to vote. Voters now must provide a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers when they register, as well as name change documentation if their name on their citizenship proof differs from their registration.
The New Hampshire Campaign for Voting Rights is a coalition of state and national advocacy organizations, voters, attorneys and watchdog organizations working to ensure and preserve the right to vote for every eligible Granite Stater, and is a project of America Votes.
