Gov. Chris Sununu (R-NH) has signed into law a new measure requiring photo identification and proof of citizenship for voting in New Hampshire, but the changes won’t take effect until after the 2024 election. The bill, designed to strengthen election security, will go into effect on Nov. 11, just days after this year’s voters cast their ballots.
The law, passed by the state’s Republican-majority House and Senate, will require all voters to present a valid photo ID when voting and proof of citizenship when registering. If a voter cannot provide identification at the polls, election officials will review their qualifications. Voters unable to verify their identity will be prohibited from casting a ballot.
Supporters of the law, such as Hans von Spakovsky of the Heritage Foundation, believe it’s critical for preventing voter fraud. He praised the legislation but acknowledged that implementing it before the 2024 election would have been too difficult. Republican State Senate President Jeb Bradley explained that the 60-day delay was necessary to avoid confusion during this year’s election cycle.
Opponents, including Democrats and civil rights groups like the ACLU, claim that the law could make voting harder for individuals who lack proper documentation. They argue that the law disproportionately impacts those without access to birth certificates, passports, or other forms of ID. Sununu dismissed these concerns as unfounded, emphasizing that identification is a routine requirement in modern life.
Though the law will not apply to this year’s election, it is expected to significantly impact future elections, ensuring stricter voter ID and citizenship requirements across the state.
