Kaylee Abstradio opposes New Hampshire's HB 514 during Senate Judiciary Committee hearing

The Senate Judiciary Committee of New Hampshire convened on April 29, 2025, to discuss several key issues, primarily focusing on House Bill 514, which proposes shifting the enforcement of election laws from the Attorney General's office to private citizens.

Kaylee Abstradio, a public policy fellow with Open Democracy, presented testimony opposing HB 514. She emphasized that the enforcement of election laws should remain with the Attorney General, as this office possesses the necessary expertise to handle investigations and prosecutions impartially. Abstradio warned that transferring this authority to private citizens could lead to an influx of frivolous lawsuits, potentially motivated by political agendas. This shift, she argued, would burden the court system, waste taxpayer resources, and create undue pressure on local election officials, who may lack comprehensive legal knowledge.

Abstradio expressed concern that the bill could deter individuals from participating in the electoral process, including town clerks and poll workers, due to the fear of litigation. This could exacerbate existing staffing shortages and hinder the smooth operation of elections. She urged the committee to consider the potential negative impact on voter education, election security, and overall public trust in the electoral system, recommending that they Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL) HB 514.

Following Abstradio, Kate Hill, a moderator from Dover, shared her perspective as an election official. Hill highlighted her extensive experience in elections and the importance of maintaining a well-informed team of volunteers. She echoed Abstradio's concerns, stating that the possibility of litigation due to misunderstandings of election laws could discourage individuals from serving in election roles. Hill emphasized the need for clarity and confidence among election officials to ensure the integrity of the electoral process.

The committee did not take any immediate action following the testimonies, but the discussions underscored significant apprehensions regarding the implications of HB 514 on New Hampshire's election system. The meeting concluded without further testimony, leaving the future of the bill uncertain as the committee considers the potential ramifications of such a legislative change.