New Hampshire Mail Voting Law Challenge

A pro-voting lawsuit challenging a law that makes it harder to vote by mail in New Hampshire.

Background

Lawsuit filed by disabled voters against the New Hampshire Secretary of State (R) and the New Hampshire Attorney General (R) in state court challenging SB 287 — a new law that imposes strict identity verification requirements on mail voting. The law requires voters to verify their identity each time they request a mail ballot — for every local, primary, and general election — by either: (1) submitting a copy of qualifying photo ID, (2) providing a notarized signature on the application, or (3) presenting photo ID in person to the local clerk. The plaintiffs argue the law imposes an unconstitutional burden on the right to vote under the state’s free and equal elections clause and are seeking a court order to block its enforcement.

Why It Matters

New Hampshire already ranks among the most difficult states in the country for mail voting, and this law would make it even harder. Mail voting is especially critical for disabled voters, many of whom face barriers to voting in person. Data shows that in states with no-excuse mail voting or vote-by-mail systems, turnout among disabled voters is significantly higher. By imposing burdensome new identity verification requirements, SB 287 threatens to suppress participation among voters who rely most on mail voting access, undermining equal access to the ballot box.

Latest Updates

• Aug. 19, 2025: Plaintiffs filed their complaint.