42 states now have online voter registration. New Hampshire is one of only 8 states that does not offer this to its citizens. For far too long voter registration has been difficult, sometimes impossible, for New Hampshire citizens. Presently voter registration must take place in the presence of the supervisor of the checklist at the town or city offices in your town of residence during office hours. Eligible voters can also register at the polls on voting day. Many working men and women do not have the option of leaving their jobs during working hours to return to their home towns to register. Requiring eligible voters to show up in person to register is also an obstacle for the disabled and those lacking transportation. Registering at the polls on voting day can be inconvenient and time consuming for poll workers and citizens alike on a busy voting day.

On Jan. 3, NH representatives will vote on House Bill 463 to establish an online election information portal offering a secure way to register to vote, request an absentee ballot, and request changes to voter information. If HB 463 passes a public hearing will take place for Senate Bill 453 to appropriate funding for the election information portal (Jan. 4 at 1:10, State House Room 103.) The public may present testimony. Legislators, you count on your constituents’ votes to get elected. Please pass HB 463 and SB 453 giving all your constituents access to voter registration.

Martha Mae Emerson

Concord