Controversial NH Voter Law Revived For Election

CONCORD, NH -- The New Hampshire Supreme Court has restored a controversial voter registration law that opponents say suppresses voting and proponents say prevents fraud. The 2017 law -- commonly called SB3 for Senate Bill 3 -- will now apply to the midterm election November 6. It requires voters who register within 30 days of the election to provide documentation proving they live in New Hampshire. That documentation could include a rental agreement, for example.

The New Hampshire Democratic Party opposes the law, saying it unfairly targets college students and low-income earners. Last week, a Hillsborough County Superior Court judge issued an injunction striking down the law for the November 6 election. But on Friday, the state Supreme Court overruled the lower court's decision.

“Regardless of the merits, the timing of the preliminary injunction, entered by the trial court a mere two weeks before the Nov. 6 election, creates both a substantial risk of confusion and disruption of the orderly conduct of the election," the justices wrote in the decision. "Similarly situated voters may be subjected to differing voter registration and voting procedures in the same election cycle."

The law was in effect for the September 11 primary but became subject to the current legal fight after the League of Women Voters of New Hampshire challenged it in court.

State Democratic Party Chair Ray Buckley said the law represents voter suppression.

"Every qualified voter should be permitted to vote without unnecessary burdens imposed upon them," Buckley said in a statement.

Governor Chris Sununu, a Republican, said SB 3 "does nothing more than ensure that all those who register to vote present valid identification."

"As the first in the nation presidential primary state, we have an obligation to ensure the integrity of our elections," Sununu said in a statement.

Earlier this year, a Hampton couple and University of New Hampshire student were charged with voting twice in the 2016 election.

Related:

• NH Voter Registration Law Rejected
• UNH Student Accused Of Voting Twice In 2016 Presidential Election
• Hampton Couple Voted Twice In 2016 Presidential Election, AG Says

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