The New Hampshire Senate convened on February 11, 2025, to discuss significant changes to election law and municipal affairs, focusing on the implications of a proposed bill regarding voter registration data management. The meeting highlighted concerns over privacy, data security, and the effectiveness of the current voter registration system.

A key point of contention was the bill's requirement for a mandatory 60-day data dump of voter registration and driver's license information. Several senators expressed apprehension about the potential risks to citizens' privacy, particularly in light of past data breaches. One senator emphasized that once personal data is shared, the state loses control over its security, raising alarms about the safety of New Hampshire residents' information.

The discussion also touched on the state's collaboration with Massachusetts, given that a significant portion of New Hampshire's population migration comes from there. The Secretary of State's engagement with Massachusetts was noted as a positive step towards ensuring voter safety and accuracy. However, concerns remained about the adequacy of the proposed system to address the needs of all voters, not just those migrating from Massachusetts.

Another senator raised issues regarding the declining participation of states in the ERIC (Electronic Registration Information Center) system, which has seen a drop from 35 to 22 states. This trend raised questions about the system's reliability and whether New Hampshire should invest in a program that fewer states are adopting. The senator argued that political motivations behind states withdrawing from ERIC should not dictate New Hampshire's decision-making.

The meeting concluded with a motion to retain the current system, reflecting a cautious approach to any changes that could impact voter privacy and data security. The senators agreed on the importance of maintaining accurate voter rolls but remained divided on the best methods to achieve this goal. The outcome of this discussion will likely influence future legislative actions regarding voter registration and data management in New Hampshire.