New HampshireCounty conventions fill commissioner vacancies, with district voting in some cases
For vacancies occurring at least 30 days before primary ballots are printed, county convention members choose a commissioner, with district voting in some cases and voters choosing some remaining terms.
What it does
County convention members fill commissioner vacancies by majority vote. District representatives vote when elections are limited to district residents, unless fewer than three representatives qualify.
If the vacancy is filled for less than the remaining term, county voters choose a commissioner for the rest of that term at the next biennial election.
Argument forConvention members could fill a vacancy before the next election, and district voting can keep the choice with members who represent that district.
Argument againstWhen fewer than three members represent a district, allowing the full convention to vote could give that district's residents less say in choosing a commissioner.
More detail
County convention members fill a county commissioner vacancy by majority vote. All convention members vote when commissioners are not elected by district or voting is not limited to district residents. When commissioner elections are by district and only district residents may vote, only convention members representing towns and city wards in that district may vote. If fewer than three convention members qualify to vote for that district, all convention members may vote. This rule applies only to vacancies that occur at least 30 days before primary ballots are printed.
County voters choose a commissioner for the remaining term at the next biennial election when the vacancy is filled for less than the unexpired term. Voters choose a commissioner for the district of the vacant office. The elected commissioner takes office at the next county commissioners' meeting after any recount is complete. Party committees may nominate candidates under the rules for vacancies on primary or general election ballots. This election rule applies only to vacancies that occur at least 30 days before primary ballots are printed.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Jul 21Enrolled (in recess of) 04/23/2026 HJ 11 P. 82To Governor
- May 12Signed by Governor Kelly Ayotte Ayotte 05/08/2026; Chapter 48; eff. 07/07/2026Became Law
- Apr 28Enrolled Adopted, VV, (In recess 04/23/2026); SJ 11Minor
- Apr 9House Concurs with Senate Amendment 2026-1205s (Rep. Pauer): MA VV 04/09/2026 HJ 10 P. 8
- Mar 26Ought to Pass with Amendment #2026-1205s, MA, VV; OT3rdg; 03/26/2026; SJ 7Passed Senate
- Mar 26Committee Amendment # 2026-1205s, AA, VV; 03/26/2026; SJ 7
- Mar 18Committee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2026-1205s, 03/26/2026; Vote 5-0; CC; SC 11Minor
- Mar 4Hearing: 03/10/2026, Room 122-123, SH, 10:00 am; SC 9
- Feb 9Introduced 02/05/2026 and Referred to Election Law and Municipal Affairs; SJ 4Minor
- Feb 5Ought to Pass with Amendment 2026-0069h: MA VV 02/05/2026 HJ 3 P. 13Passed House
- Feb 5Amendment # 2026-0069h: AA VV 02/05/2026 HJ 3 P. 13
- Jan 29Committee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2026-0069h 01/20/2026 (Vote 18-0; CC) HC 5 P. 10Minor
- Jan 22Executive Session: 01/13/2026 10:00 am GP 154
- Jan 8Public Hearing: 01/13/2026 10:00 am GP 154
- 2025
- Nov 7Introduced 01/07/2026 and referred to Municipal and County Government HJ 1 P. 3Introduced
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