Bill Text: NH CACR5 | 2019 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Relating to the right to vote. Providing that 17 year olds who will be eligible tovote in the general election be permitted to vote on that election's primaryelection.
Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Democrat 3-1)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2019-03-07 - Lay on Table (Rep. Ley): Motion Adopted Voice Vote 03/07/2019 House Journal 8 P. 22 [CACR5 Detail]
Download: New_Hampshire-2019-CACR5-Introduced.html
CACR 5 - AS INTRODUCED
2018 SESSION
19-0424
11/08
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 5
RELATING TO: the right to vote.
PROVIDING THAT: 17 year olds who will be eligible to vote in the general election be permitted to vote on that election's primary election.
SPONSORS: Rep. W. Pearson, Ches. 16; Rep. Andrew Bouldin, Hills. 12; Rep. Porter, Hills. 1; Rep. Alexander Jr., Hills. 6
COMMITTEE: Election Law
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ANALYSIS
This constitutional amendment concurrent resolution provides that 17-year olds who will be eligible to vote in the general election may vote in that election's primary election.
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Explanation: Matter added to current law appears in bold italics.
Matter removed from current law appears [in brackets and struckthrough.]
Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type
19-0424
11/08
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Eighteen
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION PROPOSING CONSITUTIONAL AMENDMENT
RELATING TO: the right to vote.
PROVIDING THAT: 17 year olds who will be eligible to vote in the general election be permitted to vote on that election's primary election.
Be it Resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring, that the
Constitution of New Hampshire be amended as follows:
I. That article 11 of the first part of the constitution be amended to read as follows:
[Art.] 11. [Elections and Elective Franchises.] All elections are to be free, and every inhabitant of the state of 18 years of age and upwards shall have an equal right to vote in any election. Every inhabitant of the state of 17 years of age who will reach the age of 18 years prior to the general election shall have an equal right to vote in the primary election for that election. Every person shall be considered an inhabitant for the purposes of voting in the town, ward, or unincorporated place where he has his domicile. No person shall have the right to vote under the constitution of this state who has been convicted of treason, bribery or any willful violation of the election laws of this state or of the United States; but the supreme court may, on notice to the attorney general, restore the privilege to vote to any person who may have forfeited it by conviction of such offenses. The general court shall provide by law for voting by qualified voters who at the time of the biennial or state elections, or of the primary elections therefor, or of city elections, or of town elections by official ballot, are absent from the city or town of which they are inhabitants, or who by reason of physical disability are unable to vote in person, in the choice of any officer or officers to be elected or upon any question submitted at such election. Voting registration and polling places shall be easily accessible to all persons including disabled and elderly persons who are otherwise qualified to vote in the choice of any officer or officers to be elected or upon any question submitted at such election. The right to vote shall not be denied to any person because of the non payment of any tax. Every inhabitant of the state, having the proper qualifications, has equal right to be elected into office.
II. That the above amendment proposed to the constitution be submitted to the qualified voters of the state at the state general election to be held in November, 2020.
III. That the selectmen of all towns, cities, wards and places in the state are directed to insert in their warrants for the said 2020 election an article to the following effect: To decide whether the amendments of the constitution proposed by the 2019 session of the general court shall be approved.
IV. That the wording of the question put to the qualified voters shall be:
“Are you in favor of amending Article 11 of the first part of the constitution to read as follows:
[Art.] 11. [Elections and Elective Franchises.] All elections are to be free, and every inhabitant of the state of 18 years of age and upwards shall have an equal right to vote in any election. Every inhabitant of the State of 17 years of age who will reach the age of 18 years prior to the general election shall have an equal right to vote in the primary election for that election. Every person shall be considered an inhabitant for the purposes of voting in the town, ward, or unincorporated place where he has his domicile. No person shall have the right to vote under the constitution of this state who has been convicted of treason, bribery or any willful violation of the election laws of this state or of the United States; but the supreme court may, on notice to the attorney general, restore the privilege to vote to any person who may have forfeited it by conviction of such offenses. The general court shall provide by law for voting by qualified voters who at the time of the biennial or state elections, or of the primary elections therefor, or of city elections, or of town elections by official ballot, are absent from the city or town of which they are inhabitants, or who by reason of physical disability are unable to vote in person, in the choice of any officer or officers to be elected or upon any question submitted at such election. Voting registration and polling places shall be easily accessible to all persons including disabled and elderly persons who are otherwise qualified to vote in the choice of any officer or officers to be elected or upon any question submitted at such election. The right to vote shall not be denied to any person because of the non payment of any tax. Every inhabitant of the state, having the proper qualifications, has equal right to be elected into office.”
V. That the secretary of state shall print the question to be submitted on a separate ballot or on the same ballot with other constitutional questions. The ballot containing the question shall include 2 squares next to the question allowing the voter to vote “Yes” or “No.” If no cross is made in either of the squares, the ballot shall not be counted on the question. The outside of the ballot shall be the same as the regular official ballot except that the words “Questions Relating to Constitutional Amendments proposed by the 2019 General Court” shall be printed in bold type at the top of the ballot.
VI. That if the proposed amendment is approved by 2/3 of those voting on the amendment, it becomes effective when the governor proclaims its adoption.
VII. Voters' Guide.
AT THE PRESENT TIME, under Part 1, Article 11, and current law, a person may only vote in a primary or general election if he or she is 18 years of age at the time of the election.
IF THE AMENDMENT IS ADOPTED, while preserving those rights already stated in the Constitution, this amendment will, in addition, allow a person 17 years of age, who will reach 18 years of age before the general election, to vote in the primary election for that election.
