New Hampshire's Virtual Town Hall

Referendum Statewide

Information

NH voters have no right to a referendum. Do we need such a right?

Members: 4
Latest Activity: Apr 12, 2010

The referendum statewide issue was put on inactive status. The Live Free or Die Alliance is monitoring any new developments in regard to this issue; any new information will be posted here. If you have new information regarding the issue please post it in our town hall or forward it to info@livefreeordiealliance.com

The New Hampshire Supreme Court ruled in 1999 that the state constitution bars statewide referendums that would allow citizens to directly voice their opinion on issues.

Some people feel that citizens should have a direct voice in major issues; others feel that since we have one of the largest legislatures in the world, citizens have ample access to their elected representatives and do not need the power of a referendum.

In January of 2010, the House Election Law Committee voted 17 to 1 to not recommend passage of CACR 25, which would have put the referendum question on the ballot for voters to decide. The majority of the committee believed the bill was flawed.

New Hampshire is one of 23 states that does not permit ballot initiatives or referendums. Click here for definitions of ballot measures, initiatives, referendums and and legislative measures.

Do you think New Hampshire should have a referendum process?

Discussion Forum

The Time for a Referendum is Now! 1 Reply

As one who moved from another state to the great state of NH I would like us as citizens move to have a referendum back in place. Although we once had elected officials who might have listened to…Continue

Started by Richard Rizzi. Last reply by David Bourne Apr 12, 2010.

House panel shoots down referendum question 1 Reply

PANEL REJECTS REFERENDUM QUESTIONCONCORD –A committee will recommend that the House kill a bill calling for a Constitutional amendment allowing voters to change laws by referendum.The House Election…Continue

Tags: voter referendum

Started by LFDA Editor. Last reply by Richard Rizzi Jan 27, 2010.

referendum

The only way to fix problems created by or ignored by elected officials is referendum. Thats precisely why it is blocked by the court. They need to be "changed" too.

Started by steve costa Dec 21, 2009.