Inside the public hearing for Voter ID legislation

The Legislature is once again trying its hand with a Voter ID bill. The Senate Public and Municipal Affairs Committee held a public hearing last week for SB 289 and I was one of some two dozen people packed into LOB room 101.

Sen. Russell Prescott (R-Kingston) opened the meeting with an amended bill (AmendedSB289.pdf). The legislation allows voters without photo identification to cast ballots at the polls upon signing a challenged voter affidavit. The city/town moderator would take a digital photograph of the voter and attach it to the affidavit. These ballots would only be "challenged" under recount circumstances. I'm seeking clarification from Sen. Prescott on exactly how the "challenged" ballots are identified.

Valid forms of ID include; drivers license, motor vehicle department issued ID card, armed services ID card, passport, and student ID. Citizens seeking a motor vehicle department issued ID for voting purposes will not be subject to the $10 fee. The fee will be paid from monies in the state's general election fund.

The legislation also creates a Voter Identification Advisory Committee that would review the photo requirements after every election and recommend any changes.

In an effort to limit voter confusion and allow the public time to become accustomed to the new process, the bill's provisions would be phased in over the course of 5 years.

David Scanlan, Deputy Secretary of State, and Patricia Piecuch, President of the New Hampshire City and Town Clerks Association, both testified in favor of the bill.

Douglas McNutt, Associate State Director for Advocacy at AARP, expressed concerns that the requirements could dissuade senior citizens for voting. Melissa Bernardin, Field Director for America Votes, called the bill "costly and unnecessary."

New Hampshire's plight with Voter ID gained national attention on Primary Day when Project Veritas recorded reporters obtaining ballots in the name deceased citizens. The Legislature passed a Voter ID bill last spring, but SB 129  was vetoed by Governor Lynch, largely due to the inclusion of "provisional" ballots.

With the support of the Secretary of State's office, the revised SB 289 has the potential to become law. As always, we'll keep you updated on its progress.