New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

New Hampshire House Bill HB1388

Introduced
12/4/25  
Refer
12/4/25  
Report Pass
3/4/26  
Engrossed
3/17/26  
Refer
3/17/26  

Caption

Relative to the form of ballot for amendments to the constitution.

Impact

If enacted, HB 1388 would directly impact the state's election procedures by revising the form of ballots used for voting on constitutional amendments. The bill requires that all ballots containing such questions clearly state the question and provide the text of the constitutional article being amended. This change is expected to enhance voter understanding and participation in the amendment process, ultimately seeking to foster a more informed electorate when casting their votes.

Summary

House Bill 1388 proposes a significant change to the way constitutional amendments are presented on ballots. It stipulates that each constitutional amendment question must be presented individually, allowing voters to make a choice on one amendment at a time. This provision aims to eliminate confusion that may arise from presenting multiple amendments in a single question, thereby streamlining the voting process.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding HB 1388 appears to support the notion of clarity and transparency in the voting process. Advocates for the bill argue that by allowing voters to focus on one question at a time, it will lead to more deliberate decision-making and higher engagement among the electorate. However, there may also be critics who question whether this change is necessary or if it might complicate the voting process in other ways.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise regarding the implementation of the bill and its potential repercussions on voter turnout. Some legislators may argue that while simplifying the ballot could help some voters, it might also result in lower turnout if voters perceive the process as longer or more cumbersome with the need to address multiple ballots in future elections. The implications of such a change will need careful consideration as discussions progress.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NH HB420

Relative to the chain of custody for ballots.

NH HB294

Relative to the processing of absentee ballots.

NH HB149

Relative to warrant article approvals at ballot referenda form of town meeting.

NH HB557

Relative to the information that appears on the school budget ballot.

NH CACR5

Relating to absentee ballots. Providing that no excuse shall be needed by the voter to receive an absentee ballot.

NH HB217

Relative to absentee ballots.

NH SB218

Relative to absentee ballots.

NH HB130

Relative to the arrangement of candidates on primary election ballots

NH HB693

Relative to ballot counting procedures and permitting the hand counting of ballots.

NH HB200

Relative to the procedure for overriding a local tax cap.

Similar Bills

HI SB1225

Proposing An Amendment To Article Xvii, Section 3 Of The Hawaii Constitution To Specify That The Standard For Voter Approval Of A Constitutional Amendment Proposed By The Legislature Is A Majority Of All The Votes Tallied Upon The Question.

HI SB1225

Proposing An Amendment To Article Xvii, Section 3 Of The Hawaii Constitution To Specify That The Standard For Voter Approval Of A Constitutional Amendment Proposed By The Legislature Is A Majority Of All The Votes Tallied Upon The Question.

HI SB2315

Proposing An Amendment To Article Xvii, Section 3 Of The Hawaii State Constitution To Specify That The Standard For Voter Approval Of A Constitutional Amendment Proposed By The Legislature Is A Majority Of All The Votes Tallied Upon The Question.

PA HB1207

In the Secretary of the Commonwealth, further providing for powers and duties of the Secretary of the Commonwealth and for explanation of ballot question and providing for wording of ballot question; in dates of elections and primaries and special elections, further providing for elections on proposed constitutional amendments; in ballots, further providing for form of official election ballot; in voting machines, further providing for form of ballot labels on voting machines; and, in preparation for and conduct of primaries and elections, further providing for publishing constitutional amendments.

NJ ACR123

Proposes temporary constitutional amendment allowing State constitutional convention convened to reform system of property taxation to propose statutory changes.

NJ SCR75

Proposes temporary constitutional amendment allowing State constitutional convention convened to reform system of property taxation to propose statutory changes.

NH CACR5

Relating to absentee ballots. Providing that no excuse shall be needed by the voter to receive an absentee ballot.

NJ SCR60

Proposes constitutional amendment to provide for Statewide initiative and referendum.