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Bill would require voting-machine contractors to register, carry ID and proof of bonding
Summary
Supporters told the House Election Law Committee that vendors who repair or access voting machines should register with the Secretary of State and present contractor photo ID; municipal officials and the deputy secretary of state pressed for clearer definitions and procedures.
Representative J. D. Bernardi (Rockingham 36) introduced House Bill 711, which would require companies and individuals who repair or access voting machines to register with the Secretary of State and the Attorney General, provide proof of bonding and insurance, and carry a contractor ID that must be presented to local officials before working on a device.
The bill’s sponsor said the measures are intended to strengthen election integrity by ensuring contractors are vetted and identifiable. "Bonding ensures a contractor will be vetted by the surety company ... and enhances the likelihood the work's going to be completed as required," Bernardi told the committee.
Public witnesses who backed the bill urged additional safeguards. Wayne P. Seija Sr., whose written testimony was read into the record, urged requiring OSHA safety certification for electronic voting-machine contractors and said his analysis of older AccuVote-type machines raised safety concerns. Al Brandeno, a Kensington resident, pointed to inconsistent activity logs and contracts that allow vendors to use subcontractors; he said visible contractor ID numbers would help clerks and the public know who worked on machines.
The New Hampshire Municipal Association, represented by Sarah Burke Cohen, opposed the bill in its current draft, saying municipalities need clearer definitions and processes before they could reliably validate contractor registration numbers or ID cards at polling sites. Deputy Secretary of State Erin Hennessy told the committee the office needs precise statutory language defining “contractor” versus "vendor," clarity about whether bonds apply to individual technicians or a vendor company, and how photo ID would be issued and verified.
Committee members asked whether vendors already provide maintenance and whether subcontracting occurs; Bernardi said multiple machine classes now in use make multiple contractors more likely. Hennessy said she is not aware vendors routinely use subcontractors and noted the Ballot Law Commission authorizes devices currently in use, including LHS and VotingWorks equipment. The public hearing record for HB 711 closed with 29 online supporters and seven opposed, according to the clerk.
The bill would not change procurement law or which entity owns devices; it focuses on access, identification, bonding and training requirements for anyone who repairs or accesses equipment.
