Senate, House urge Supreme Court opinion on voter residency legislation - Granite Grok

Senate, House urge Supreme Court opinion on voter residency legislation

Sen. Kevin AvardPress Release

Senate, House urge Supreme Court opinion on voter residency legislation

Concord, NH — Following Governor Chris Sununu and the Executive Council’s request that the Supreme Court give their opinion on the constitutionality of HB 1264, AN ACT relative to construction of the terms “resident,” “inhabitant,” “residence,” and “residency,” the New Hampshire Senate and House of Representatives submitted memos to the Supreme Court today urging the court to issue an advisory opinion in support of the legislation’s constitutionality.

Senate President Chuck Morse (R-Salem) and Speaker Gene Chandler (R-Bartlett) issued the following statements:

“The arguments submitted to the Supreme Court today on behalf of legislature articulate the importance and constitutionality of the legislation that clarifies our voter laws. This legislation ensures that individuals who choose to become part of New Hampshire by voting here are also abiding by the laws governing our state,” said Senate President Chuck Morse. “We strongly believe the legislation in question is constitutional, eliminates confusion and the different classes of voters that exist in the law today. The bill simply removes four words, ‘from the indefinite future’ from statute and makes no changes to an individual’s ability to vote today whatsoever.”

“We believe that this common sense change is consistent with original legislative intent surrounding residency, puts us in line with 49 other states, and requires those who register to vote here to be treated the same as all New Hampshire residents,” added Morse.

“Over the past two legislative terms, the House and Senate have demonstrated that they believe clarification of our election laws is vital to the integrity of our election process. HB1264 seeks to address significant ambiguity in our existing statutes. Where ambiguities exist, it’s our duty to clear them up, so our state and our constituents can move forward without casting doubt,” said Speaker Chandler. “The brief submitted by the House today lays out why we believe HB1264 is constitutional. It does not change voter eligibility, is non-discriminatory, and ensures that all people who chose to cast a ballot in New Hampshire are subjected to the same rules and obligations.”
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For Immediate Release:
May 31, 2018

Media Contacts: 
Senate: House:
Kate Spiner Terry Pfaff
(603) 271-3043 (603) 271- 3661
Kate.Spiner@leg.state.nh.us Terry.Pfaff@leg.state.nh.us

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