Ashley Hartson

I am writing to express my strong opposition to House Bill NH158, which mandates that town and city clerks make absentee ballot voter lists available for public inspection and compels the Secretary of State to publicly report absentee ballot information. While I understand the intention of increasing transparency in our elections, this bill would have serious unintended consequences that could undermine voter privacy, public trust, and the integrity of our democratic process. Voter Privacy and Security: This bill compromises voter privacy by making absentee ballots and the individuals who cast them identifiable to the public. Many voters opt for absentee ballots for a variety of personal reasons—illness, disability, travel, or the desire to vote securely without fear of coercion. By making these lists available to the public, we are potentially exposing these voters to unwanted scrutiny, harassment, or even intimidation, which may discourage participation in future elections. Potential for Harassment and Intimidation: Public access to absentee voter lists could facilitate targeted harassment. Absentee voters are often those who, for personal or safety reasons, prefer not to disclose their political choices or the act of voting itself. Making this information public could lead to the targeting of individuals or communities based on their voting behavior, particularly in closely contested elections where emotions run high. This is a significant risk to the free and fair exercise of the right to vote. Violation of Voter Confidentiality: The principle of voter confidentiality is a cornerstone of democratic societies. The requirement to release absentee ballot information conflicts with this fundamental right, which is intended to protect voters from being pressured or coerced into voting in a particular way. Public disclosure of absentee ballot information is a direct violation of the confidential nature of our voting process, potentially eroding trust in the system. Increased Administrative Burden and Costs: Implementing this bill would create additional administrative burdens for town and city clerks. The collection, organization, and distribution of absentee ballot information for public inspection would require substantial resources, diverting attention and funds from other important election integrity efforts. This shift of focus would also place an unnecessary strain on local governments and the Secretary of State’s office, reducing their capacity to ensure other essential aspects of election security. Questionable Effectiveness in Promoting Transparency: While transparency is crucial in maintaining public trust, making absentee ballot voter lists publicly available does not guarantee increased electoral integrity. The risk of potential misuse of such information far outweighs the marginal benefit of promoting transparency. There are other, more effective ways to ensure transparency in the election process without infringing upon voter privacy. In conclusion, I urge you to consider the significant risks and harm that House Bill NH158 would bring to voter privacy, safety, and the overall integrity of our electoral process. Voter confidence is crucial to a healthy democracy, and this bill would diminish that confidence by exposing voters to potential retaliation and intimidation. I strongly recommend that you vote against this bill and instead focus on measures that protect voter privacy while still ensuring transparency and integrity in our elections. Thank you for your time and attention to this important matter.