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New Hampshire governor signs voter proof-of-citizenship to take effect after November elections

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New Hampshire governor signs voter proof-of-citizenship to take effect after November elections


CONCORD, N.H. — New Hampshire’s governor signed a bill Thursday that would require proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote and photo identification when casting a ballot.

Under current law, those who don’t bring photo IDs to the polls can sign an affidavit attesting to their identity and are required to provide documentation within seven days. The new law, which won’t take effect until after the November elections, eliminates voter identification exceptions and would require those registering to vote to show a passport, birth certificate or other evidence of U.S. citizenship.

“We have a proud tradition and proven track record of condition elections that are trusted and true,” said Gov. Chris Sununu, a Republican who is not seeking a fifth term. “Looking forward to the next decade or two, this legislation will instill even more integrity and trust in the voting process.”

Critics argue the changes would make New Hampshire’s voter registration system one of the most restrictive in the country. They note that many people don’t have immediate or free access to their birth certificates and say the changes could undermine trust in elections even though it won’t take effect mid-November.

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“While this law would not be in effect for the upcoming election, any change in law this close to a major election risks confusing all voters,” said Lauren Kunis, director of the advocacy group Vote Riders. “We know that voter ID initiatives like HB1569 aren’t about security at the ballot box, they’re about blocking voters from accessing it – a sentiment that goes against the very foundation of our democracy.”

Voting by noncitizens is prohibited in federal elections and is not allowed in any state elections, although a handful of municipalities nationwide allow it in limited circumstances. While illegal voting by noncitizens is extremely rare, the possibility that it could happen on a wider scale because of the influx of migrants at the southern border has become a theme of Republican campaign messaging this year.

In Washington, Republicans are trying to push through the SAVE Act, a proof-of-citizenship mandate for voters, as part of wider legislation aimed at avoiding a partial government shutdown this fall.



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Man From Weare Arrested On Stalking Charge After Gas Station Incident: Concord Police Log

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Man From Weare Arrested On Stalking Charge After Gas Station Incident: Concord Police Log


CONCORD, NH — Kyle G. Sanders, born in 1988, of Manchester, was arrested at 11:03 a.m. on May 27 on a warrant. He was arrested at police headquarters.

Sean P. Lambert, born in 1992, of Concord, was arrested at 2:13 a.m. on May 25 on a bench warrant following an investigation or incident at the Durgin Block Garage at 17 School St.

Matthew C. Milne, born in 1980, of Concord, was arrested at 7:44 p.m. on May 24 on theft by unauthorized taking a felony due to two prior convictions, and willful concealment following an investigation or incident at the Speedway at 175 N. Main St.

Kristen L. Macrae, born in 1991, of Pittsfield, was arrested at 8:23 p.m. on May 23 on three warrants. She was arrested following an investigation or incident on Ferry Street.

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Jeremiah J. Martel, born in 1978, of Weare, was arrested on a stalking charge at 7:01 p.m. on May 22 following an investigation or incident at the Shell gas station at 333 Loudon Road.

Editor’s note: This post was derived from information supplied by the Concord Police Department and does not indicate a conviction. This link explains how to request the removal of a name from New Hampshire Patch police reports.

Mark D. Yeskis, born in 1972, of Concord, was arrested at 7:52 p.m. on May 12 on criminal trespass and breach of bail charges. He was arrested following an investigation or incident at the Speedway gas station at 175 N. Main St.

Dakota Austin Marsh, born in 1994, of Concord, was arrested at 10:01 a.m. on May 12 on camping restricted and generic city ordinance violations following an investigation or incident on Pleasant Street Extension.

Dylan Joshua Lawler, born in 2001, of Deering, received a summons at 9:13 a.m. on May 12 on a conduct after an accident charge following an investigation or incident on Washington Street.

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Dain Austin Blackadar Jr., born in 1990, of Concord, was arrested at 1:54 a.m. on May 12 on a bench warrant and two warrants. Also arrested was John L. Taylor, born in 1992, of Concord, on a warrant. They were both arrested following an investigation or incident on Ferry Street.

Matthew P. Lyons, born in 1969, of Concord, was arrested at 12:42 a.m. on May 12 on simple assault, domestic violence-simple assault, and criminal mischief charges. He was arrested following an investigation or incident on Alton Woods Drive.

Do you have a news tip? Email it to tony.schinella@patch.com. View videos on Tony Schinella’s YouTube or Rumble channels. Patch in New Hampshire is now in 217 communities — and expanding every day. Also, follow Patch on Google Discover.





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Manchester Man Indicted On Pembroke Child Assault Charges: Merrimack County Superior Court Roundup

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Manchester Man Indicted On Pembroke Child Assault Charges: Merrimack County Superior Court Roundup


CONCORD, NH — A grand jury in Merrimack County recently indicted the individuals listed below.

Robert S. Bzdula III, 23, of West Chrisco Road in Seagrove, North Carolina, on a felony count of attempted aggravated felonious sexual assault. He was accused of exposing his erect penis in front of a child under 13 between Dec. 1, 2022, and July 26, 2025, in Dunbarton.

John Camden, 42, a homeless man now located in Concord, on a felony controlled drug, prohibited-fentanyl, on Jan. 6 in Concord.

Timothy Casey, 24, a member of Concord’s unhoused community, on a felony receiving stolen property charge. He was accused of possessing stolen copper pipes from Yamas on South Main Street in Concord, on March 18.

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Keyan Chambers, 30, of Brown Avenue in Manchester, on second-degree assault and second-degree assault-attempt charges. He was accused of assaulting a child in Pembroke, causing hemorrhaging to his neck on March 27, 2025. Between March 1 and March 31, 2025, Chambers pushed the child against the wall, “toward the commission of… strangulation,” according to an indictment, in Pembroke.

Megan R. Champagne, 40, a homeless woman now located in Concord, on a felony count of conspiracy to commit theft by unauthorized taking. She agreed with David King to steal a tent from Target in Concord on Dec. 10, 2025, according to the indictment.

Sarai J. Chapman, 35, of Spofford Street in Claremont, on a felony possession of methamphetamine charge on Nov. 25, 2025, in Henniker.

Editor’s note: This post was derived from information supplied by the Merrimack County Superior Court and does not indicate a conviction. This link explains how to request the removal of a name from New Hampshire Patch police reports.

Amanda S. Colgan, 38, of Main Street in Claremont, on a felony count of controlled drug act; acts prohibited-meth in Bradford on Dec. 30, 2025.

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Jay Thomas Johnson, 50, of Woodbryer Avenue in Greensborough, North Carolina, on a felony count of identity fraud. He was accused of posing as another and requesting the man’s detailed banking information at Merrimack County Savings Bank in Concord on Oct. 6, 2025.

Matthew W. Kelly, 46, with a last known address of Robie Road in Salisbury, on a felony count of penalty; registration of criminal offenders. He was accused of failing to let Concord police of his residence on Feb. 2. Kelly is a Tier III sex offender due to a rape conviction in Massachusetts in September 2003.

Stephanie M. Kelly, 37, of Pheasant Lane in Manchester, on a felony controlled drug act; acts prohibited-meth charge on May 8, 2024, in Hooksett.

Kayleigh King, 23, of Union Street in Concord, on a felony assault by prisoners charge. While in the Merrimack County Jail in Boscawen, she was accused of kicking a corrections officer in the stomach on Feb. 20.

Timothy J. Leclair, 45, of Canterbury, on possession of fentanyl and possession of a fentanyl and meth mix charges, both felonies, on May 4, 2025, in Hooksett.

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Cops Searching For Missing Man | Rollover Crash | House Speaker To Step Down | More: PM Patch NH

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Cops Searching For Missing Man | Rollover Crash | House Speaker To Step Down | More: PM Patch NH


Community Corner

Also: Homeless burglar accused of burglarizing store for cigarettes; 2026 political signup updates; Statehouse votes; sports notes; more.

CONCORD, NH — Here are some share-worthy stories from the New Hampshire Patch network to discuss this afternoon and evening.

This post features stories and information published during the past 24 hours.

Missing Nashua Man Frequents Lawrence And Lowell, Police Say: Christopher Serrano was last seen on April 20, and family and friends are concerned for his well-being.

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Find out what’s happening in Concordfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Rollover Crash In Concord Closes South Main Street; 1 Sent To The Hospital: Video: South Main Street between Perley and Water streets was closed to traffic for about 90 minutes after a collision on Friday morning.

Homeless Felon, Previously Convicted Of Burglary, Accused Of Burglarizing Concord Market Basket For Ciggies: Kevin Gobeil, who has been arrested dozens of times in the capital city, faces another felony charge after a September 2025 incident.

Find out what’s happening in Concordfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Blood Drives | Farmers Markets | Historical Society Events | More: The Salem Patch Weekender: NH PBS Spring Auction; books and brews; wildflowers, waterfalls, and garden trains; addiction recovery program; stories; arts and crafts.

Technical Trouble Delays Sentencing For Trans Ex-State Rep. In Child Sex Abuse Images Case: Once hailed as one of the “LGBTQIA+ Democrats who are the backbone of the Granite State,” Stacie Laughton is facing decades in prison.

Woman Injured In Rollover | Dating App Hookup Investigation Leads To Rape Charges | More: PM Patch NH: Also: “Substance abuse reduction initiative” nets 6; 2026 candidate filings, other political notes; argument leads to woman being run over.

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2026 Political Posts

Here is some of the latest news from Patch partners.

🌱 Patch AM: GoFundMe Efforts Set Up To Help Victims Of Nashua Apartment Building Fire: Follow-Up

Thank you for reading Patch.com in New Hampshire and have a great weekend!

Do you have a news tip? Email it to tony.schinella@patch.com. View videos on Tony Schinella’s YouTube or Rumble channels. Patch in New Hampshire is now in 217 communities — and expanding every day. Also, follow Patch on Google Discover.

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