Democrat Senator Jeanne Shaheen is retiring at the end of her term next year and will not be running again. Democrat Congressman Chris Pappas announced in April that he was going to run for that Senate seat.

Which leaves his Congressional seat open.

Chris Bright, a veteran and businessman from Derry and Melissa Bailey, vice-chair of the Bedford Republican Committee and a former CPA have already announced their run for the Congressional open seat. Now a third contender has announced that he too, has his sights set on that seat.

Trump supporter and State Representative Brian Cole of Manchester, is the latest to announce. “Under President Trump’s leadership, America’s officially back. But if we want to keep it that way, we need allies in Washington who won’t fold under pressure, who will stand up and fight alongside him. NH needs a representative who puts family, faith, and freedom first. That’s why I’m running.”

He wants to lower the cost of living (did nothing to achieve that here in NH), secure the border to stop illegal immigration (because NH is so over run, NOT!) and grow the state's industrial base. Let’s check out some of his votes . . .

HB 726 would incrementally raise the minimum wage, Rep. Cole voted to “table” it. For House Bill 2 (the State Budget) he limited the floor debate and voted to approve it, which will not help lower the cost of living for most NH citizens.

Voted against “establishing a commission to determine the monetary costs of climate damage to the state of NH and the best means of recouping such costs” HB 106. Voted to table “establishing a climate change and damage division in the department of environmental services” HB 526. Voted against “increasing penalties for violations of the shoreland and water quality protection act” HB 422. Then we had HCR 4 which “rejects all offshore wind energy projects in the waters off the coast of NH and the Gulf of Maine.” He voted in favor of rejecting off shore wind projects. Nope, no help from this climate change/extreme weather denier. We have no reason to think he wouldn’t vote the same way in Congress.

Fellow extremist Rep. Joe Sweeney made a motion to table HB 724 having to do with “lead paint poisoning prevention and remediation.” Cole voted in favor of tabling the bill. Voted against HB 646“requiring school districts to establish an online application for participation in the free and reduced price meal program” (That would have made it a little easier for families to apply.) Voted against HB 703.“prohibiting school districts from denying meals to students with unpaid meal balances, and making an appropriation therefor” These bills were meant to help children from low-income families, but the party of “let them eat lead” felt otherwise, including Rep. Cole.

HB 207 “repeals the prohibition on the possession or sale of blackjacks, slung shots, and metallic knuckles except by or to minors.” Voted in favor of this bill because, why not? HB 511“prohibits state and local government entities from adopting sanctuary policies to prohibit or impede the enforcement of federal immigration law.” He voted in favor of this bill. SB 62“relative to law enforcement participation in a federal immigration program and relative to cooperation with federal immigration authorities.” This, of course, would be ICE and Rep. Cole voted in favor of it. 

Those who vote in the First Congressional District need to educate themselves as to who is seeking to fill the seat, what good (if any) they would bring not just to the state of NH but also the nation as a whole and in the case of Liberty Alliance member Rep. Brian Cole, how he has voted in the State House. For the good of the people or to hurt us?

Did you know August 3rd is “National Watermelon Day”?

Or that August 8th is “National sneak some zucchini onto your neighbor’s porch Day”? (I could go for that.)

Or that August 10th is “National S’Mores Day”? (This, too!)

How about August 11th marking the end of the “Dog Days of Summer” which began on July 3rd?

August 13th is “International Left-Handers Day.”

August 17th is when the “Cat Nights” begin, going back to a vague Irish legend concerning witches. This wee bit of folklore gave way to the idea that a cat has nine lives.

August 19th is “National Aviation Day”, the birthday of Orville Wright, who piloted the first recorded flight of a powered heavier-than-air machine in 1903. Along with his brother Wilbur, the brothers are recognized for inventing, building and flying the world’s first successful airplane. A presidential proclamation first made by Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1939, National Aviation Day celebrates the history and development of aviation.

August 20th is “International Geocaching Day” and “World Honeybee Day.”

August 25th is “Kiss-and-Make-Up Day.”

August 26 is “Women’s Equality Day”, which celebrates the 1920 ratification of the 19th Amendment and, with it, women’s right to vote in the United States. Suffragist Carrie Chapman Catt stated, “Never in the history of politics has there been such a nefarious lobby as labored to block the ratification.” Catt then went on to found the League of women voters, an organization dedicated to giving impartial, in-depth information about candidates, platforms and ballot issues.

And finally, August 31st is “National Trail Mix Day.”

“If the first week of August is unusually warm, the winter will be white and long.”
Weather folklore

Yup! There’s another nationwide peaceful rally planned for Sat. Aug. 2nd to direct our shared rage against the Trump regime for its weaponization of ICE against our communities, the continuing cover up of the Epstein Files, the continuing attacks on transgender rights and the removal of LGBTQ+ from our history. Let’s not forget the cruelty by gutting Medicaid, SNAP, USAID and the construction of concentration camps. Destroying the Dept. of Education, NOAA, the National Weather Service and the threats to cut Social Security. These rallies are inclusive, nonviolent, community-led and New Hampshire will be joining in again as we stand up for the Constitution, human rights, and the rule of law.

Here is a list of scheduled rallies: 

Colebrook
9am-11am
Municipal Drive Details Here.

Concord
2pm – 6pm
NH State House
107 N Main Street Details Here

Dover
3pm-4pm
238 Indian Brook Rd. Details Here

Keene
12pm – 1pm
Central Square Details Here

Nashua
10am – 12pm
Need to sign up for location. Details Here.

Pelham
10 am – 1 pm
Meetinghouse Park Details here

Portsmouth
Market Square
2 Congress St. Details Here

For those in the Dublin/Peterborough area on Aug. 2nd, there is also the 16th annual Granny D Memorial Walk. Click on the link for all details.

We will not comply, we will not be silent, and we will not stand down!!

Gov. Ayotte has signed a lot of legislation that was passed this session into law. However, (so far) she has vetoed ten bills. Does this mean these bills, for all intents and purposes, are now done?

Not necessarily . . .

There’s a little something extra called “Veto Day” where legislators in both the House and the Senate get the chance to override the governor’s vetoes. A vetoed bill needs to receive a two-thirds majority vote in the House and Senate in order to become law over the governor’s objections. How the process works; vetoed bills go back to the chamber where they originated, House bills going there and Senate bills back to them. If at least two-thirds members of each chamber vote to override the veto, the bill then goes to the other chamber. If they don’t reach at least two-thirds majority, the veto is upheld and the bill dies.

If the bill passes the first vote in one chamber, the process repeats itself for the same bill in the next chamber. Another two-thirds vote is necessary and if attained means the bill passes despite the governor’s veto. Less than two-thirds means the veto is upheld and the bill dies.

There is no set date yet, but it’s looking like sometime in Sept. this will take place. A few examples of the bills that were vetoed recently:

HB 148 was “overly broad and impractical to enforce” wrote the governor. “The language in HB 148 addressing women’s sports is largely redundant and frankly, weaker than the current law. This exact piece of legislation was vetoed by Gov. Sununu last year . . .” 

HB 319 was found to be a step in the wrong direction by the governor. This bill would have placed an unnecessary burden on working families by no longer requiring meals and transportation to and from schools for half-day kindergarteners. 

HB 324 (where we were all treated to a reading of porn on the chamber floor), the governor noted there is already a law (RSA 186:11:IX-c) requiring school districts to adopt a policy allowing exceptions to certain class materials if a parent, notified two weeks in advance, finds it objectionable. This law already requires for different materials mutually agreed upon by the parent and school district. The governor wrote, “I have concerns that this bill envisions the possibility of extensive civil action over materials in our schools, which could open the door to unnecessary litigation from out-of-state groups.” 
Do ya think?

HB 356 was an attempt to have school districts adopt partisan school district elections. Even the governor knows, “Local school boards are run properly and in a nonpartisan manner. Additionally, there is no need to fix a system that is not broken. Making these local elections into partisan fights will create unnecessary division between Granite Staters.”

HB 358 was to create an exemption from immunization requirements based on religious belief. “While parents must be the final decision makers on what immunizations their child receives, the State already has an established process by which parents can claim a religious exemption, and I see no reason to change it.” 

HB 667 was an attempt to bring videos into health education courses showing the development of a fetus. Said the governor upon vetoing this bill, “I do not believe the state should dictate to local school districts that they must show a high-quality computer generation or ultrasound video that shows the gestational development of a fetus in health classes. That is not an appropriate role for the State to mandating such requirements.” 

This is just a small example of the many redundant, over-reaching and in the case of voting, suppressive, bills that came before the House and actually passed! We’ll see what holds up to the governor’s veto or not on “Veto Day.”

Not content to be the least educated person in the room, the regime is now freezing $5.6 billion in education funding, alreadyapproved by Congress that was to go out on July 1. No explanation was given for a move that was not only unprecedented but threatens to sabotage school budgets while negatively affecting students and educators. Some of that money was earmarked for adult education and after school programs with $27 million originally headed to New Hampshire. 

The National Educators Association (NEA) put out a statement:

https://www.nea.org/nea-today/all-news-articles/trumps-unlawful-funding-freeze-threatens-critical-student-supports

Here in Keene, the School District has agreed to continue Keene Community Education's Adult Diploma classes for this year. Unfortunately, they will not be able to fund the HiSET preparation classes or ESL (English as a Second Language) courses. This will mean roughly 130 students currently served will not be able to continue. And this is just one NH school district.

If you’d like to make your voice heard concerning this latest assault on education, please take a few moments to contact your legislators with your concerns, then share this article with others so they can do the same. The categories are:

Learners Speak Out Campaign: for adult learners to submit a short video message to legislators.

Fund the Future for Adult Learners: for adult learners to send an email to Congress.

Friends of Adult Ed Campaign: for those outside of the field who want to take action.

Release Funding Campaign: for those who work in adult education.

And then ask yourself, why is NH the only state in New England who hasn’t joined a multi-state lawsuit against the regime on this education funding issue.

Oh, right . . .

UPDATE: $6.5 million of federal funding that was already allocated has finally made its way to the NH Dept. of Education earlier this week. Pressure still needs to be kept on until the remaining funds are released.

Let’s remind ourselves what a “public servant” is: Their primary role is to serve the interests, needs and well-being of the public.

Now we’ll check into how the majority party has best served the interests, needs and well-being of the public with the following bills. You be the judge . . .

HB 368 was a well-intentioned bill that would have prohibited smoking and e-cigarettes in vehicles with a passenger under the age of 16. The prime sponsor was Rep. Peter Schmidt D-Dover. The public has been aware of the dangers of second-hand smoke now for many years, made even more toxic in enclosed vehicles. The worry verbalized by the majority party was, “infringing on civil liberties of drivers” and “doesn’t want government being able to tell people what to do in their own cars.” That last one is a head-scratcher for sure! As a government body they have been slowly chipping away at local control, eroding a person’s voting rights and insisting that a woman has no control over her own body!

Anyway, this common sense bill was shot down, 213-157 by the party who protects the life of a fetus at all costs (even at the expense of the life of the mother), while refusing to fund school lunches for children of low-income families.

HB 724 had to do with lead paint poisoning prevention and remediation. Brought with the safety and well-being of children in mind by Democrats, this bill reminds contractors to have a certified EPA-RRP license to perform renovations on pre-1978 homes or facilities where children are present. Additionally, the license number needed to be on the building permit application. Registered on-line support for this bill was 108 to 7 who opposed it. 

Rep. Joe Sweeney R-Salem, made a motion to indefinitely postpone this bill, which passed, 202-167. Indefinite postponement: a motionmade from the floor that further action on a bill be deferred and thus that the bill be killed. The ‘pro-birth only” party had spoken.

HB 756 was legislation sponsored by eight Democrats to establish a blood lead level testing requirement for children entering daycare and public schools. Reasonable request you might think, considering lead poisoning is on the rise in NH’s children or that some kids aren’t tested at all. Not according to Republicans who spoke against it with nonsense like this; Babies are tested at the ages of one and two and that is more than enough. Besides, think of the extra added paperwork for the daycare or school system! 

Registered on-line support for this bill was 94, 7 against. The bill failed, 202 -169. Daycare facilities and schools were now spared the  horror of extra paperwork at the expense of a child’s health.

HCR 7, acknowledging abortion as a critical component of comprehensive reproductive health care, (House Concurrent Resolution). “an individual's right to terminate their own pregnancy, prior to 24 weeks gestation, shall not be denied or infringed upon in this state.” Registered on-line support of this resolution was 2,708, 109 against. Some comments:
“As a community member and new nurse in the field of women's health and reproduction, I recognize the contents of this bill as essential in upholding safe and effective health care.”

“My spouse has worked in women's health for years and has seen how a lack of care options can lead to terrible outcomes for women. We need to ensure women can get the care they need in our state.”

“This bill actually exemplifies our alleged state motto of "live free or die" as it empowers the autonomy of NH residents. Reproductive decisions should only be between the individual and their medical provider. The only role government should play is ensuring our autonomy to pursue our own healthcare is protected. As we have seen with Roe, we must enshrine our rights into law so that they cannot be overturned on a whim by bad actors; lock it in and leave it sorted.”

“NH needs to have abortion at 24 weeks in our constitution. It is important for women and their doctors to be making these decisions about their pregnancy without having to consult with their local politician.”

“I am a primary care physician. Reproductive rights are human rights. Access to abortions saves lives. Medical decisions should be left to the patient and their medical team/doctor.”

“I think it’s essential to protect our rights as women’s to our own bodies. While I may not choose an abortion for myself, I would never put someone else in a position where I am making that choice for them or the government is making that choice for them. It is their body and their choice.”

“It really is my body.”

Liberty Alliance member, Rep. Lisa Mazur made a motion to table HCR 7. And so, despite overwhelming support, the party of “let them eat lead” tabled the resolution, 199-171. 

New Hampshire can do so much better.

 

If one has been paying attention, one will be aware of the many voter suppression bills that have been passed this past Session. There are four in particular that are in danger of being signed into law by Gov. Ayotte. We need to send a loud and clear message that voting has been made hard enough in our state. These proposed restrictive barriers will allow for an increase in the number of eligible voters being turned away. How undemocratic!

Your mission (should you choose to accept it, please do) is to contact the governor by email and urge her to VETO the following bills:

SB 213: requires voters who are registering by absentee ballot to provide proof of identity, domicile, age, and citizenship with their application, as well as having it notarized. Requires all absentee voters to provide proof of identity when requesting an absentee ballot; adds a line to the request form for a voter to include their state issued ID number, however does not include any guidance on if this is sufficient to prove identity or how voters can meet this requirement if they do not have a state issued ID. In other words, you’re on your own.

SB 218: requires voters who are registering by absentee ballot (because they signify they are unable to register in person) also provide proof of their identity, age, domicile, and citizenship.

SB 287: requires voters who are requesting absentee ballots show proof of identity:

• A copy of the voters’ ID with the absentee application
• A notarized signature on the absentee ballot application
• Presenting an ID in person to the town or city clerk or their designee before being provided an absentee ballot (another barrier for those who are disabled, elderly and need to find a ride or those who just don’t drive.)
• HB 613: towns would post a notice 90–180 days before an election if accessible machines won’t be available; voters with disabilities would need to submit written notice at least 60 days in advance just to access a machine that lets them vote privately and independently.
  This unfairly shifts the burden from the state to the individual, creating obstacles no other group of voters face. If this bill becomes law, voters with disabilities risk losing their fundamental right to vote unless they anticipate their voting needs months in advance. There is also no certainty that they wouldn't be asked to repeat this process for every future election, as the bill does not address this. 

These bills unnecessarily impact voters with disabilities, low-income voters, elderly voters, those without internet/printer access, or those voting from overseas. 

Requiring a notary places a proven burden on voters, which can lead to lower turnout. Notaries can be difficult to access—some banks don’t have them readily available, and those that do usually offer services only to customers during limited business hours.

The majority party have defended these burdensome notarization requirements in SB 213 and SB 287 by pointing to the availability of online notaries—but just how accessible is this option, especially for voters without reliable internet access or the knowledge to navigate these services?

SB 213 had online opposition of 382 with only 5 supporting this bill.
SB 287 had on line opposition of 330 with only 10 supporting this bill.
HB 613 had on line opposition of 188 with 23 supporting this bill. 

The majority party continues to ignore the wishes or concerns of the voters proving yet, again, they're not in it for the people of NH.

Takes only a moment to send an email to the governor.

And be sure to attend a Good Trouble event near you this week!

 

The late Congressman John Lewis was inspired by Martin Luther King Jr. in the early 1960’s when the movement for civil rights was beginning. He became a Freedom Rider, spoke at the March on Washington in 1963 and led the demonstration that later became known as "Bloody Sunday." In 1986 he took his fight for civil and human rights to Washington, DC and was elected to Congress, representing the people of Georgia. He received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011 and was one of the most respected members of Congress.

On Thursday, July 17th we will gather together throughout New Hampshire (and the nation) to honor the memory of the man who called for “good trouble.” Here is a list of statewide events, all of which promote non-violence:

Concord, NH
2:00 — 6:00 PM
New Hampshire State House

Conway, NH
4:00 — 6:00 PM 
This event’s address is private. Click here for more info.

Dover, NH
3:00 — 4:00 PM
Dover’s “Good Troubles Lives On” protest. Click here for more info.

Franconia, NH
4:00— 5:30 PM 
Sidewalks outside of the Franconia Post Office.

Jaffrey, NH
3:00-5:00 PM
Jaffrey Rite Aid corner. Click here for more info.
14 Peterborough St. (corner of Peterborough St. and Turnpike Rd.)
Collecting canned goods for the food pantry. Bring a lawn chair if needed. Water will be available.

Keene, NH
5:00-7:00 PM
Central Square
A community art project followed by a 1-hour rally celebrating John Lewis’ legacy of civil rights, social justice, and nonviolent activism.
Pizza and drinks will be available at 6 PM.
Hosted by “Keene Rally Coalition”

Nashua, NH
5:00 — 8:00 PM 
Soldiers and Sailors Monument

Orford, NH
4:30 – 6:00 PM
Samuel Morey Memorial Bridge
Bridge St.

Peterborough, NH
5:00 – 6:00 PM
Routes 202 and 101 intersection, near 100 Grove Street.
Hosted by “We the People”

Plymouth, NH
6:00 – 8:00 PM
This event’s address is private. Click here for more info.

Portsmouth, NH
5:00 PM — 7:00 PM 
Market Square

Upper Valley, NH/VT
4:30 PM — 6:30 PM 
Veteran’s Park, Bridge St. & Maple St.
White River Jct, VT
Hartford, VT 

Walpole, NH
5:00 – 7:00 PM
This event’s address is private. Click here to RSVP and get the location.

Wolfeboro, NH
12:00 PM — 2:00 PM 
Pickering Corner, 151 S. Main St.
Hosted by “Wolfeboro Area Peaceful Protest”

“We have been too quiet for too long. There comes a time when you have to say something. You have to make a little noise. You have to move your feet. This is the time.”

“If you see something that is not right, not fair, not just, you have a moral obligation to do something about it.”

                                John Lewis

When did warnings about climate change and extreme weather begin to surface? You might be surprised to learn that answer, (a short, but enlightening read, by the way.)

Throughout the decades and now even more so into this century, we’ve seen and have sometimes felt the effects of extreme weather. Texas immediately comes to mind. Last year there were 27 individual weather and climate disasters in the United States totaling at least $1 billion in damages. In 2023, there were 28 extreme weather events. These disasters resulted in at least 568 direct or indirect deaths, which is the eighth-highest for these billion-dollar disasters over the last 45 years (1980-2024). The cost was roughly $182.7 billion.

Despite this staggering cost to human life and expense, there are still those who are deep into denial of what is happening all around us. Take for instance a sampling of the bills that came before the House addressing these issues.

HB 106 would have set up a commission to determine the monetary costs of climate damage in New Hampshire and how best to recoup those costs. Fun fact: since 2011, NH has seen higher than average events of extreme weather, resulting in the need for federal help. This was a bill sponsored by Democrats and had support from 164 on-line registrants with six opposing it. Some comments:
“Over a number of years our NH farmers have been experiencing very difficult growing conditions due to droughts, floods and weather changes which effect crop pests, and plant and livestock management. They need the state's help to understand how climate change is affecting their crops, their livelihoods, and all of NH residents who rely on NH farmers' efforts.” 
“The damages from fossil fuel caused climate change are enormous and affect virtually every aspect of our lives. The fossil fuel industry knew about the dangers and took extensive actions to hide them from all of us. They should be held responsible and pay the costs.”
“Climate damage is a major issue that we must all be prepared for across the Granite State. Establishing a committee to determine financial costs and how to combat these challenges will only allow for a more seamless transition into an ever-changing world.”

Naturally, this is something the majority party did not want to see happen, despite voter support, so the bill failed, 207-149.

HB 306 was a Democrat sponsored bill aimed at forming a commission to study the short and long-term impacts of pending national and regional carbon pricing mechanisms on NH's citizens, businesses, institutions, and environment. This would have helped the state to prepare for economic impacts from regional and global energy markets. Used globally, carbon pricing cuts emissions and holds polluters accountable for any environmental damages. This bill was not going to bring about carbon pricing in NH, just form a study group. HB 306 had support from 144 on-line registrants with five opposing it. Some comments:
“NH should not wait to be told that we need to do this - we should be leading the charge!”
“I am a community activist who cares deeply about promoting legislation designed to support the preservation and protection of New Hampshire's water systems and landscapes any way possible. This legislation is positive and constructive.”
“Most economists and even energy producers agree that we need a carbon tax to address the externalities (like the CA wildfires) if we are to get through this transition alive. Let's put the politics aside and figure this out so that it works for the people.” 

And there is the problem for the majority party, something positive and constructive that would work for the people. 

Rep. Jason Osborne, Free Stater from Auburn, made the motion to “table” the bill, which passed by voice vote. “Tabling” a bill is a non-debatable motion setting it aside until later. And once again, the wishes of the people were “tabled” by the majority party.

HB 599 was a Democrat sponsored bill to begin a committee to look at weatherization initiatives for homes in NH. Promoting weatherization helps to lower energy costs; proper insulation reduces drafts, air leaks and moisture build-up, making for a healthier household; benefits the environment, home owners and NH’s economy. 

A motion was made by Liberty Alliance member Rep. Michael Vose to table the bill. The motion passed, 198-148. Again, something positive that would work for the people is exactly what the majority party does not want!

Here’s the height of hypocrisy: HCR 2 was a resolution declaring the development of advanced nuclear energy technology to be in the best interest of NH and the United States. Sponsored by a dozen Liberty Alliance members, the resolution passed 258-83.

Immediately following was another resolution HCR 4. This one was meant to reject all offshore wind energy projects in the waters off the coast of NH and Gulf of Maine. You can guess who sponsored this. Not only did this resolution disregard the fact that NH has no jurisdiction over federal waters, it ignored the success of such projects in other countries. The resolution passed, 195-149.

They continue to not serve the interests, needs and well-being of the public!

Free Staters, Liberty Alliance and Young Americans for Liberty members stand for the opposite of those words; “free,” “liberty.” One only has to know the way they vote to realize this. The state’s website also has an on-line registration page where you can write your support or opposition for any particular bill. It made no difference to the majority party how the people of New Hampshire felt, the leadership made sure his caucus voted the way he wanted. One area would be the many voting bills that came before us this past session. 

HB 365, a Republican sponsored bill (by Liberty Alliance members) that was looking for proof of American citizenship for indigent voters. The on-line registration for this bill was 472 in opposition of it while 57 supported it. A few comments: “Currently, in many NH communities, the Supervisors of the Checklist will visit nursing homes and other elder care facilities, enabling residents to easily complete absentee ballots. This is a safe, efficient, and easy way for our communities' seniors to vote. Do not make it harder for our senior population to participate in voting!”
 “I already can't get a 'Real ID' because my birth certificate and married name don't match. There is insufficient evidence of voter fraud to warrant extra expenditure here when cuts are being proposed to services and education.”
“I oppose HB 365 and would welcome the repeal of HB 1569.”
“This is voter suppression.” It sure is. 

Rep. Ross Berry, one of the sponsors actually made the claim that this bill “will make it easier for people to vote.” Despite large public opposition, this is legislation the majority wanted, so it passed, 200-169. It has since been retained in committee. 

HB 344 was a bi-partisan bill allowing election officials to process the outer envelope of absentee ballots up to one week before an election. This gave election moderators time to contact voters if there were any outer envelope concerns, which could then be corrected. Clerks and moderators were in strong support as were on-line registrants, 472 in support of, 64 opposing the bill. A few comments: 

“This is the simplest way to give our clerks relief from all the constraints you put on their voluntary service to our communities and the election process.”

“This bill would allow public pre-processing sessions for absentee ballots in which absentee ballot outer envelopes are opened by moderators or their designee within a week before the election. That will provide greater transparency than the current process of opening them on election day, and make it possible for voters to cure their ballots if a signature or other required step is missing.”

“This is a worthy effort to keep voting accessible and streamline the counting process!”

“This bill makes sense as it encourages efficiency in processing absentee ballots.” And that’s the problem for the majority party, legislation that makes too much sense and benefits the people.

Despite large public support, the proposed legislation failed, 204-168.

HB 363 was sponsored by Democrat Representatives and Senators to enact redistricting criteria, thereby making that process transparent and fair. In 2021, there were 74 NH towns requesting fairer maps through resolutions they had passed. Naturally, they were ignored. This bill listed the criteria, adopted from 23 other states. On-line support for this bill was 447 with only seven people opposing it. A few comments:

“Get rid of gerrymandering! It's un-American, and anti-democratic!”

“Same testimony as for CACR 2: Your committee has the reputation for being the most partisan committee in the legislature (confirmed by my observations of many party-line votes over the years). I am an undeclared voter, a member of the majority party. Resolutions have been passed in town meetings, town and city councils across NH. MOST voters want this. Please represent us voters, not what your party leaders tell you to do.”
“Every single person in the United States knows that gerrymandering, or redistricting for political advantage, is unfair and hurts our representative democracy. I support this bill in order to be sure that New Hampshire is a true representative democracy, and that our elections aren't rigged in favor of either party. Republicans, you've been winning the gerrymandering race so far, but it could go the other way in the future. Think about that for a minute. Do the right thing, and work to stop redistricting along party lines.”

“Do the right thing?” Nope, the bill failed, 203-167. The majority party sure do like them some gerrymandering!

Here’s a doozy! HB 172 was meant to restrict undeclared voters from registering with a political party on a primary day in order to vote in a presidential or state primary election. Who comes up with that, you ask? The majority party who either doesn’t think or care that this proposed bill would negatively affect THEIR voters, too! A whopping 607 people registered their on-line opposition to this restrictive bill compared to only 30 who supported it. A few comments: 

“This is voter suppression. I oppose this bill. The Republicans in this state really don't believe in freedom and democracy, that much is clear. Residents struggle to find affordable housing, the state is in a huge financial deficit with a freeze on statewide government spending, but THIS is the priority here? I'd say do better, but I don't think the representatives who write these bills can. I think it's a race to the bottom at this point where they have no shame and don't care about their reputation.”

“Don't take away my 96 year-old Independent mother's right to vote in primaries. This is a solution seeking a problem that does not exist. Have respect for your elders and vote ITL on HB172.”

“I am an Undeclared voter by choice! This bill would prevent me from participating in primaries. I OBJECT! I want to have full information before I decide which ballot I will choose on election day -- and that may mean that I don't make up my mind until then. This bill would disenfranchise almost the majority of voters since there are more Undeclared registered voters than either Republicans or Democrats. This is an unnecessary and restrictive requirement and should be voted NO!”

 Apparently, the party who loudly promotes school choice and parental “rights” has a problem with this type of voting choice.

This voter suppression bill was “killed” (Inexpedient to Legislate) by a voice vote at the end of March.

Perhaps a reminder is needed for those elected officials who have forgotten that they are “public servants.” Their primary role is to serve the interests, needs and well-being of the public!