The state primary elections are less than three weeks away, but town officials are busy with training, adding staff and implementing new identification requirements passed by the state.Hooksett Supervisor of the Checklist Mike Horne said the town is considering adding more poll workers.
Salem Town Moderator Christopher Goodnow said the town will add two more polling places.
“We'll be going to six, from four,” he said.
Bedford Town Clerk Lori Radke plans to have a separate table set up for those lacking ID.
“We don't want to hold up everyone else who has ID,” she said.
There is a common feeling among town clerks and moderators regarding the implementation of New Hampshire's new Voter ID law: They are confident they can handle the changes, but they are also still unsure about what exactly the law will entail.
The New Hampshire Legislature enacted the law requiring all voters to present a photo ID at their polling place in order to cast a ballot. But the law is being rolled out in stages, and each stage comes with questions. Election workers will be asking for IDs at the Sept. 11 primaries, even though you will be allowed to vote without an ID.
The primary will be considered a dry run of the new law. Towns hope to make voters aware of the law and get them used to the idea of presenting an ID when voting. Many towns will make an effort to make potential voters aware of the new requirements through stories on the news and town newsletters. Several town websites have posted an explanation and requirements of the new law on their websites.
IDs required Nov. 6
The general election on Tuesday, Nov. 6, will be the first to require proof of identity. Voters will need to present a photo ID to a poll worker before being given a ballot. Allowed forms of ID presently include driver's licenses, student ID cards, military ID cards, passports – even expired ones – and a variety of other governmental identity cards that include a photo.
If you arrive without ID, there are several possible outcomes. For the 2012 elections, poll workers will be allowed to vouch for voters whom they recognize. Otherwise a “challenged voter affidavit” must be filed that will be reviewed by the Secretary of State's office. A vote will be cast and will be included in the general tally once the affidavit is reviewed and the voter's identity is verified.
Some voters support this new law.
“Who over the age of 18 doesn't have a photo ID that is here legally?” said Chris Fortin of Bow. “Blows my mind that it's not already law.”
“I was aware of (this law), as the New Boston town clerk got into trouble for doing a 'dry run' last March to raise awareness,” said Stu Lewin of New Boston. “I am all for it, as I think it should not be easier to vote than to get a library card.”
“It's about time,” said Sheryl Charron of Bedford.
Other voters did not agree, and questioned this new law.
“Is there anything in the U.S. Constitution about photo ID?” asked Dan Rothman of New Boston. “Do most people here in the 'Live Free or Die' state really want mandatory government-issued photo IDs?”
“Having served as an election official for many years, I believe that voter fraud is nearly nonexistent,” said Marlene Lein of Hooksett. “Ridiculous.”
To prepare, the Secretary of State's office is conducting a series of training sessions around the state. Most local town officials attended the session on Tuesday, Aug. 28, at Goffstown High School. Deputy Secretary of State David Scanlan is hosting these training sessions.
“The session is a review of election laws. We are going to spend most of the time on the Voter ID law ... just so everyone is on the same page,” said Scanlan. “The photo ID law is phased in over time.”
An informal poll of local town officials indicated a split over the law, although all were committed to enacting the new rules to the letter.
“You have to show photo ID to do anything in this world – get on a plane, bus, sometimes to send a package,” said Auburn Town Clerk Joanne Linxweiler.
Are IDs necessary?
About half said they, as well as some constituents, saw no harm in asking for indentification at the polls. Many did not see much harm in the ID law as it will be enforced in 2012, though they questioned if it is even needed. Not a single official could cite or recall a single voting irregularity in their community.
In fact, statewide, there have been no confirmed instances of voter fraud in the past three election years. The Secretary of State's office issues a report detailing its investigation into any voting irregularities. Typically these irregularities involve a mispelled name or failure to update an address. Three such investigations were conducted in 2006, 10 in 2008 and four in 2010.
So one could ask why legislation like this is even needed in a state that has not had a confirmed case of voter impersonation, outside of an attempt this year by conservative activist James O'Keefe's “Project Veritas” to videotape obtaining ballots in this year's presidential primary in Bedford.
O'Keefe's group asked for ballots under the names of deceased voters but were halted by polling officials. The Secretary of State's office issues a report detailing its investigation into any voting irregularities. Typically, these issues involve a mispelled name or failure to update an address.
Jeff Keeler, Epsom town moderator, raised an example of possible fraud if a college student registers in the town where they go to school and still requests an absentee ballot from their home town. But Plymouth Town Clerk Karen Freitas said that if a Plymouth State student registers in Plymouth, the town notifies officials in the student's hometown, be it in New Hampshire or out of state, that they should remove that person from their rolls. Also Deputy Secretary Scanlan said the state's “Election Net” database would catch any state resident who attempted to vote twice under their own name.
Some oppose the law
One of several groups opposing the law is the New Hampshire league of Women Voters.
Spokesman Liz Tantarelli said scenarios like the one Keeler raised were used by the Legislature to pass the law, but that no actual proof of fraudulant activities were ever offered.
“Some people were swayed by quickly heard talking points” said Tantarelli. “At least, for 2012, it's a fairly benign form of Voter ID … but what we are worried about is 2013, when it becomes more stringent.”
Tantarelli points out that nine New Hampshire communities are required to get federal approval of any changes to voting rules under the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and that the law must receive approval from the U.S. Department of Justice. Scanlan said he expects approval shortly, and he added that those nine communities have petitioned to be removed from federal oversight. A lawsuit is being planned by the League of Women Voters, the New Hampshire chapter of the ACLU, along with others to block the law.
Nonetheless, towns are preparing. Goffstown clerk Cathy Ball compared elections to “inviting people to a party with no RSVP … I make plans to have enough folks on hand to do the job.”
New Boston elections to be overseen by Secretary of State's office
New Boston is taking pains to follow the letter of the law this election year. Town Clerk Irene Baudreau said the town will follow the rules set by the Secretary of State's after attempting a “dry run” asking for identification during a special election in May 2011, before Voter ID laws were in effect. New Boston officials, along with clerks and moderators from other towns, attended the Voter ID training sessions in Goffstown on Tuesday, Aug. 28.
“I was not there when all this came down,” said Baudreau referring to that election.
It was town moderator Lee Nyquist who gave approval to asking voters for ID. That decision brought the attention of the Attorney General's office after an official from the New Hampshire Democratic party complained. After an investigation, the AG's office ordered the Secretary of State to monitor the next election in New Boston as a result. Baudreau said monitors oversaw the presidential primary, but have not notified her if they will monitor further elections in town.
“The one thing we've learned is to always get the Secretary of State's approval regarding the laws,” said Baudreau.
The town is making an effort to let residents know of the new ID requirements by posting on the town website and news releases. They also plan to have a separate table for voters without ID.
Baudreau says the state requires voters be allowed to vote in a reasonable amount of time. That will prevent any backlog for voters with identification caused by those filling out challenge voter affidavits. But Baudreau says every effort will be made to allow affidavit filers to vote promptly as well.
Salem Town Moderator Christopher Goodnow said the town will add two more polling places.
“We'll be going to six, from four,” he said.
Bedford Town Clerk Lori Radke plans to have a separate table set up for those lacking ID.
“We don't want to hold up everyone else who has ID,” she said.
There is a common feeling among town clerks and moderators regarding the implementation of New Hampshire's new Voter ID law: They are confident they can handle the changes, but they are also still unsure about what exactly the law will entail.
The New Hampshire Legislature enacted the law requiring all voters to present a photo ID at their polling place in order to cast a ballot. But the law is being rolled out in stages, and each stage comes with questions. Election workers will be asking for IDs at the Sept. 11 primaries, even though you will be allowed to vote without an ID.
The primary will be considered a dry run of the new law. Towns hope to make voters aware of the law and get them used to the idea of presenting an ID when voting. Many towns will make an effort to make potential voters aware of the new requirements through stories on the news and town newsletters. Several town websites have posted an explanation and requirements of the new law on their websites.
IDs required Nov. 6
The general election on Tuesday, Nov. 6, will be the first to require proof of identity. Voters will need to present a photo ID to a poll worker before being given a ballot. Allowed forms of ID presently include driver's licenses, student ID cards, military ID cards, passports – even expired ones – and a variety of other governmental identity cards that include a photo.
If you arrive without ID, there are several possible outcomes. For the 2012 elections, poll workers will be allowed to vouch for voters whom they recognize. Otherwise a “challenged voter affidavit” must be filed that will be reviewed by the Secretary of State's office. A vote will be cast and will be included in the general tally once the affidavit is reviewed and the voter's identity is verified.
Some voters support this new law.
“Who over the age of 18 doesn't have a photo ID that is here legally?” said Chris Fortin of Bow. “Blows my mind that it's not already law.”
“I was aware of (this law), as the New Boston town clerk got into trouble for doing a 'dry run' last March to raise awareness,” said Stu Lewin of New Boston. “I am all for it, as I think it should not be easier to vote than to get a library card.”
“It's about time,” said Sheryl Charron of Bedford.
Other voters did not agree, and questioned this new law.
“Is there anything in the U.S. Constitution about photo ID?” asked Dan Rothman of New Boston. “Do most people here in the 'Live Free or Die' state really want mandatory government-issued photo IDs?”
“Having served as an election official for many years, I believe that voter fraud is nearly nonexistent,” said Marlene Lein of Hooksett. “Ridiculous.”
To prepare, the Secretary of State's office is conducting a series of training sessions around the state. Most local town officials attended the session on Tuesday, Aug. 28, at Goffstown High School. Deputy Secretary of State David Scanlan is hosting these training sessions.
“The session is a review of election laws. We are going to spend most of the time on the Voter ID law ... just so everyone is on the same page,” said Scanlan. “The photo ID law is phased in over time.”
An informal poll of local town officials indicated a split over the law, although all were committed to enacting the new rules to the letter.
“You have to show photo ID to do anything in this world – get on a plane, bus, sometimes to send a package,” said Auburn Town Clerk Joanne Linxweiler.
Are IDs necessary?
About half said they, as well as some constituents, saw no harm in asking for indentification at the polls. Many did not see much harm in the ID law as it will be enforced in 2012, though they questioned if it is even needed. Not a single official could cite or recall a single voting irregularity in their community.
In fact, statewide, there have been no confirmed instances of voter fraud in the past three election years. The Secretary of State's office issues a report detailing its investigation into any voting irregularities. Typically these irregularities involve a mispelled name or failure to update an address. Three such investigations were conducted in 2006, 10 in 2008 and four in 2010.
So one could ask why legislation like this is even needed in a state that has not had a confirmed case of voter impersonation, outside of an attempt this year by conservative activist James O'Keefe's “Project Veritas” to videotape obtaining ballots in this year's presidential primary in Bedford.
O'Keefe's group asked for ballots under the names of deceased voters but were halted by polling officials. The Secretary of State's office issues a report detailing its investigation into any voting irregularities. Typically, these issues involve a mispelled name or failure to update an address.
Jeff Keeler, Epsom town moderator, raised an example of possible fraud if a college student registers in the town where they go to school and still requests an absentee ballot from their home town. But Plymouth Town Clerk Karen Freitas said that if a Plymouth State student registers in Plymouth, the town notifies officials in the student's hometown, be it in New Hampshire or out of state, that they should remove that person from their rolls. Also Deputy Secretary Scanlan said the state's “Election Net” database would catch any state resident who attempted to vote twice under their own name.
Some oppose the law
One of several groups opposing the law is the New Hampshire league of Women Voters.
Spokesman Liz Tantarelli said scenarios like the one Keeler raised were used by the Legislature to pass the law, but that no actual proof of fraudulant activities were ever offered.
“Some people were swayed by quickly heard talking points” said Tantarelli. “At least, for 2012, it's a fairly benign form of Voter ID … but what we are worried about is 2013, when it becomes more stringent.”
Tantarelli points out that nine New Hampshire communities are required to get federal approval of any changes to voting rules under the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and that the law must receive approval from the U.S. Department of Justice. Scanlan said he expects approval shortly, and he added that those nine communities have petitioned to be removed from federal oversight. A lawsuit is being planned by the League of Women Voters, the New Hampshire chapter of the ACLU, along with others to block the law.
Nonetheless, towns are preparing. Goffstown clerk Cathy Ball compared elections to “inviting people to a party with no RSVP … I make plans to have enough folks on hand to do the job.”
New Boston elections to be overseen by Secretary of State's office
New Boston is taking pains to follow the letter of the law this election year. Town Clerk Irene Baudreau said the town will follow the rules set by the Secretary of State's after attempting a “dry run” asking for identification during a special election in May 2011, before Voter ID laws were in effect. New Boston officials, along with clerks and moderators from other towns, attended the Voter ID training sessions in Goffstown on Tuesday, Aug. 28.
“I was not there when all this came down,” said Baudreau referring to that election.
It was town moderator Lee Nyquist who gave approval to asking voters for ID. That decision brought the attention of the Attorney General's office after an official from the New Hampshire Democratic party complained. After an investigation, the AG's office ordered the Secretary of State to monitor the next election in New Boston as a result. Baudreau said monitors oversaw the presidential primary, but have not notified her if they will monitor further elections in town.
“The one thing we've learned is to always get the Secretary of State's approval regarding the laws,” said Baudreau.
The town is making an effort to let residents know of the new ID requirements by posting on the town website and news releases. They also plan to have a separate table for voters without ID.
Baudreau says the state requires voters be allowed to vote in a reasonable amount of time. That will prevent any backlog for voters with identification caused by those filling out challenge voter affidavits. But Baudreau says every effort will be made to allow affidavit filers to vote promptly as well.