Gov. Chris Sununu (R) signed a new voter ID and proof of citizenship law that aims to secure New Hampshire’s elections, but the law won’t take effect until six days after the 2024 general election. The legislation requires voters to provide photo identification and proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote or casting a ballot.
The bill passed through the Republican-majority House and Senate earlier this year. However, because it was signed so close to the election, it will not impact this year’s voting process. The law includes a 60-day delay, meaning it will take effect on Nov. 11, after voters cast their ballots in the 2024 election.
Supporters, such as Hans von Spakovsky from the Heritage Foundation, argue that this legislation is necessary to prevent voter fraud, especially given New Hampshire’s same-day voter registration policy. Although von Spakovsky wished the law could be in place for this election, he acknowledged the logistical challenges in implementing it so close to Election Day.
Critics, including Democrats and left-wing groups like the ACLU, argue that the new law could disenfranchise voters who lack documentation. They say many citizens may not have access to birth certificates, passports, or IDs in time for future elections. Sununu dismissed these claims as baseless fearmongering, arguing that documentation is already required in many areas of life.
Sununu, who is not seeking reelection this year, believes the law will boost election integrity in the future, even if it comes too late for the upcoming 2024 election.
