New Hampshire

ACLU files lawsuit to block New Hampshire’s new voter ID law

Published

1 year ago

September 30, 2024

ACLU files lawsuit to block New Hampshire’s new voter ID law

The ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) filed a lawsuit on Monday challenging New Hampshire’s new voter ID law that requires proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote and photo identification at the polls.

The lawsuit, filed by the ACLU of New Hampshire on behalf of the Coalition for Open Democracy, the League of Women Voters of New Hampshire, the Forward Foundation and five voters, aims to block the state law claiming that the law imposes some of the most restrictive voting measures in the country and threatens to disenfranchise thousands of eligible voters.

The lawsuit was submitted to the U.S. District Court in Concord just weeks after Republican Governor Chris Sununu signed the bill, which is set to take effect following the November elections. The legal action names New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella and Secretary of State David Scanlan as defendants, and the suit argues that such laws are unconstitutional.

Laws like this that “create unconstitutional roadblocks to voting and which could stop thousands of eligible voters from participating in an election, have no place in our state,” Henry Klementowicz, deputy legal director at the ACLU of New Hampshire, said in a statement.

Currently, New Hampshire voters without photo identification can sign an affidavit affirming their identity and are required to provide documentation within seven days. However, the new law eliminates these exceptions and mandates citizenship proof, such as a passport or birth certificate, at the time of voter registration.

Newsweek reached out to ACLU of New Hampshire and Sununu’s office via email on Monday evening for comment.

A voter enters the voting booth to fill out their ballot at a polling location on January 23, 2024, in Northumberland, New Hampshire. The ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) filed a lawsuit on Monday…

Scott Eisen/Getty Images

Liz Tentarelli, president of the League of Women Voters New Hampshire, condemned the law, stating that it “creates confusion, raises doubts for voters, and leaves them feeling hampered by the process.”

“Instead of creating unnecessary barriers to voters, we need our elected officials to advance meaningful legislation that ensures New Hampshire voters can make their voices heard,” Tentarelli added.

The lawsuit seeks to block the law’s enforcement, saying federal courts have weighed in on the matter before.

The legal action follows a similar case in Kansas, where a law mandating proof of citizenship for state and federal elections was struck down in 2018 for violating the U.S. Constitution and the National Voter Registration Act.

Despite the Kansas ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court in August 2024 allowed some parts of a law requiring proof of citizenship to be enforced in Arizona as the legal fight continues in lower courts.

According to The Associated Press, the New Hampshire Attorney General’s office acknowledged the ACLU lawsuit but did not provide further comment, stating: “We will review the complaint and respond as appropriate.”

Sununu, a vocal supporter of the law, defended the legislation as a step toward preserving the integrity of the state’s election process, claiming it would enhance trust in future elections.

“We have a proud tradition and proven track record of condition elections that are trusted and true,” Sununu said when he signed the bill on September 12. “Looking forward to the next decade or two, this legislation will instill even more integrity and trust in the voting process.”

Meanwhile, Republican efforts at the federal level continue to push for similar measures, with the proposed SAVE Act, a nationwide proof-of-citizenship mandate, also under discussion.

This article includes reporting from The Associated Press.

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New Hampshire

NH National Guard activated in connection with Iran war

Published

35 minutes ago

March 6, 2026

Press Room

NH National Guard activated in connection with Iran war

The federal government has activated the New Hampshire National Guard’s 157th Air Refueling Wing in connection with the war with Iran.

“I’ve had a briefing myself, a classified briefing, but it’s really important on the messaging on this that we really coordinate with the Pentagon,” Gov. Kelly Ayotte told reporters during a press briefing following Wednesday’s Executive Council meeting.

Ayotte said she was unable to share additional details about the nature of the New Hampshire National Guard’s activity related to the conflict, including how many guard members have been activated or what role they are playing.

“We’re going to respect what messaging comes out of the Pentagon just to make sure that our men and women in uniform are fully protected and that we aren’t providing any information that could be used in a way that would be harmful to them,” Ayotte said.

In a statement Thursday, Ayotte said the unit had been deployed in late February to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility in support of the operation.

Pease Air National Guard KC-46 Pegasus air refueling aircraft in June 2023.

Earlier this week, Pentagon officials confirmed that members of the Vermont National Guard were involved in attacks against Iran over the weekend, though our news partners at Vermont Public were not able to confirm additional details on the nature of the operation.

During the briefing with local reporters, Ayotte also stressed her support for servicemembers and those close to them.

“I have such respect for our men and women in uniform,” Ayotte said. “As you know, I come from a military family, and they have our full support, and we appreciate them and their families, and obviously anyone who is serving right now, and my thoughts and prayers go out to those who have lost someone that they love.”

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New Hampshire

NH Senate Votes To Hike Turnpike Tolls for Out-of-State Vehicles

Published

13 hours ago

March 5, 2026

Press Room

NH Senate Votes To Hike Turnpike Tolls for Out-of-State Vehicles

By PAULA TRACY, InDepthNH.org

CONCORD – While Republican Gov. Kelly Ayotte has said she opposes increasing highway toll rates across the state, the Senate voted Thursday to increase rates for out-of-state license plate holders.

It now goes to the House for consideration.

This would be a $1 increase for those who have out of state plates going through the tolls at Hooksett, Hampton and Bedford for out-of-state plates, a 75 cent hike for those taking Hampton’s Exit 2 and on the Spaulding turnpike at Rochester, and a 50 cent hike for those taking the exit off I-93 to Hooksett.

An analysis in the bill shows that this would increase toll revenue by $53.3 million in fiscal year 2027 and go up each year to generate $81.4 million a year in 2036.

Senate Bill 627 passed on a voice vote with two Republicans, Senators Regina Birdsell of Hampstead and William Gannon of Sandown opposing.

Senator Mark E. McConkey, R-Freedom, moved to take the bill off the table and offered an amendment.
He said the last time there was a systemwide increase to the turnpike toll was 19 years ago.

“I am sure we could all agree the cost of operations…has continued to escalate when revenue is not rising with it,” and he noted that with an enterprise fund, the state can only spend what it takes in.

The state has just completed a 10-year highway plan and there was a $400 million shortfall in projects that could not be paid for under the current income.

McConkey said the measure would not increase tolls for New Hampshire drivers with a state license plate.

“Why don’t we ask our neighbors,” to pay a toll increase. “We are getting the best of all worlds,” by passing the bill, he said, including “protecting our residents” and having resources for improvements to the turnpike system.

Sen. Gannon, R-Sandown, asked McConkey if there are any studies on impacts near the border on businesses.

If implemented, McConkey said the state will be the 27th lowest in per mile cost still. McConkey said the bill would also increase from seven to 14 days the amount of time for those with NH license plates to pay for a toll adding there are other states that also have different rates for out-of-state users.

The Hampton toll cost would go from $2 to $3, while Hooksett and Bedford would rise from $1 to $2 for out-of-state plates.

New Hampshire currently has the lowest rate per mile among states with tolls roads.
The governor said she does not support a toll increase.