Gov. Chris Sununu (R-NH) has officially signed a new voter ID and proof of citizenship law aimed at strengthening New Hampshire’s election integrity, but it will not go into effect until after the 2024 election. The new law, which requires voters to present a valid photo ID and prove their citizenship when registering, is set to begin on Nov. 11, 2024—six days after voters head to the polls.
This bill, passed earlier this year by the state’s Republican-controlled legislature, mandates that anyone unable to provide ID at the polls must undergo a verification process by election supervisors. If their identity cannot be confirmed, they will not be allowed to vote. Currently, voters in New Hampshire can sign an affidavit at the polls without presenting identification.
Supporters of the law, such as Hans von Spakovsky of the Heritage Foundation, argue that it’s necessary to prevent voter fraud, especially with New Hampshire’s same-day voter registration system. He admitted that, given how close the law passed to Election Day, it was too late to implement for 2024 but necessary for future elections.
Democrats and organizations like the ACLU have criticized the law, claiming it could disenfranchise voters who lack the necessary documents. They argue that individuals without birth certificates, passports, or IDs could face significant barriers. Sununu, however, has dismissed these concerns as “fearmongering,” noting that documentation is a standard requirement in daily life.
Although the law won’t be in place for the 2024 election, Sununu believes it will provide a more secure voting process in the future, ensuring greater election integrity for years to come.
