Resolution To Restrict The Primaries To Registered Republicans (Resolution #2) proposed by Karen Testerman was passed at the January 28, 2023 Annual Meeting. It resolved that:
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“1. The Republican State Committee adopts the rule that only voters who register as Republicans 30 days prior to the primary election day may receive and mark a Republican ballot for the primary election;”
I take the views of the State Committee very seriously, and my first order of business after being elected on 28 January 2023 was to visit the Secretary of State’s office to determine how this Resolution could be implemented.
After investigating applicable state law in consultation with the Secretary of State’s office, it was determined that the resolution violated state law and could not be adopted. Specifically, the critical “30 day prior” provision of the resolution violates RSA 654:7 a&b (same-day registration), and RSA 654:32/34 (change of registration).
I informed the prime sponsor of the Resolution and Executive Board of the problem at my first meeting as Chairman on February 6th.
Presidential Primary campaigns have also been informed that there will be no change to our current First In The Nation Primary selection process and have been campaigning accordingly.
The next opportunity to address this issue is January 13, 2024, at our next Annual Meeting. If a legal by-law was adopted, it could be in force for the 2024 State primary. My suggestion to the sponsors is to bring forth a By-Law Amendment that complies with State Law for consideration and critical analysis of the impact by the entire Committee. I will help sponsors through the process as desired to ensure the activity meets the required standards.
My primary purpose is to help get Republicans elected and represent the views of the State Committee.
Chris Ager
Chairman, NHGOP
chrisager@nhrsc.com
