New HampshireNew Hampshire House candidates can file locally for special elections
Candidates in New Hampshire House special elections can submit paperwork to their local clerk, with filing appointments required when offices lack the required hours.
What it does
New Hampshire House candidates can file locally for special elections. If offices lack three days with at least two filing hours each during filing week, officials must arrange prompt appointments when contacted.
Argument forRequiring an appointment option when clerk offices have limited hours could help candidates submit their paperwork locally.
Argument againstLocal election officials may face extra scheduling work because they must arrange prompt filing appointments when their offices have limited hours.
More detail
Candidates can file their candidacy paperwork with the secretary of state or their appropriate town or city clerk. These rules cover candidates for New Hampshire state representative in special elections. During filing week, offices must open at least three days for at least two hours each day or post contact information for an official authorized to accept filings. When contacted, that official must arrange to accept paperwork that day or within the next business day, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Clerks must forward filings to the secretary of state the same day. The secretary of state's website must list local filing hours and any additional contact information. These rules took effect September 8, 2026.
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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 16Signed by Governor Kelly Ayotte Ayotte 07/10/2026; Chapter 293; eff. 9/8/2026Became Law
- Jul 1Enrolled (in recess of) 06/04/2026 HJ 15 P. 56To Governor
- Jun 30Enrolled Adopted, VV, (In recess 06/04/2026); SJ 15Minor
- Jun 4Conference Committee Report 2026-2096c: Adopted, VV 06/04/2026 HJ 15 P. 12
- Jun 4Conference Committee Report # 2026-2096c, Adopted, VV; 06/04/2026; SJ 14
- May 28Conference Committee Report Filed, # 2026-2096c; 06/04/2026
- May 27Conferee Change: Rep. Newsom Replaces Rep. Muirhead 05/27/2026 HJ 14 P. 35
- May 27Conference Committee Meeting: 05/27/2026 09:50 am GP 228
- May 20President Appoints: Senators Gray, Lang, Perkins Kwoka; (In Recess 05/14/2026); SJ 13
- May 20Sen. Gray Accedes to House Request for Committee of Conference, MA, VV; (In recess 05/14/2026); SJ 13
- May 14Speaker Appoints: Reps. Berry, Qualey, Lane, Muirhead 05/14/2026 HJ 13 P. 151
- May 14House Non-Concurs with Senate Amendment 2026-1596s and Requests CofC (Rep. Berry): MA VV 05/14/2026 HJ 13 P. 151
- May 7Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2026-1596s, MA, VV; OT3rdg; 05/07/2026; SJ 11Passed Senate
- May 7Committee Amendment # 2026-1596s, AA, VV; 05/07/2026; SJ 11
- Apr 22Committee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2026-1596s, 05/07/2026; Vote 5-0; CC; SC 17Minor
- Mar 25Hearing: 03/31/2026, Room 122-123, SH, 01:15 pm; SC 12
- Mar 6Introduced 03/05/2026 and Referred to Election Law and Municipal Affairs; SJ 6Minor
- Mar 5Ought to Pass: MA VV 03/05/2026 HJ 6 P. 14Passed House
- Feb 26Committee Report: Ought to Pass 02/03/2026 (Vote 16-0; CC) HC 9 P. 13Minor
- Feb 17==CONTINUED== Executive Session: 02/17/2026 01:40 pm GP 158
- Feb 11==RECESSED== Executive Session: 02/10/2026 11:00 am GP 158
- Jan 29Public Hearing: 02/03/2026 01:20 pm GP 158
- 2025
- Dec 1Introduced 01/07/2026 and referred to Election Law HJ 1 P. 9Introduced
Civil Rights & Voting