The New Hampshire House of Representatives Committee convened on February 11, 2025, to discuss significant changes to election law, focusing on House Bills 365 and 472. The meeting highlighted concerns regarding voter registration processes and the implications of recent legislative changes.

The first item on the agenda was House Bill 365, which drew attention due to its potential impact on voter registration and election day processes. A committee member expressed opposition to the bill, citing a lack of evidence for voting fraud in the city and referencing the Secretary of State's Special Committee on Voter Confidence. The member criticized the previous legislation, House Bill 159, as an extreme response to a non-existent problem, warning that it could disenfranchise voters. They also raised concerns about the lack of public awareness regarding the changes, fearing that voters might be unprepared when they arrive at the polls.

The discussion then shifted to House Bill 472, introduced by Representative Kelly Potenza. This bill proposed requiring voters to provide two forms of identification to verify their identity and residency in New Hampshire. Potenza emphasized the need for clear documentation to prevent confusion during the voting process, especially in light of past election challenges.

Secretary of State David Scanlon voiced his concerns regarding House Bill 472, explaining that the current check-in process for voters already allows for address updates without requiring proof of domicile at that moment. He warned that implementing the proposed changes could lead to chaos at polling places, particularly during busy election days, as voters might not have the necessary documentation on hand.

Public testimony included comments from Sue Nastasi, who supported the existing verification processes for voter registration and highlighted the availability of voter information online for ballot clerks on election day.

The committee concluded the public testimony on House Bill 365 and opened the floor for discussions on House Bill 472, indicating a thorough examination of the proposed changes to election law. The meeting underscored the ongoing debate over voter identification requirements and the balance between election security and accessibility for voters. Further discussions and decisions on these bills are anticipated in future sessions.