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Bill would let selectmen provide extra polling places for high‑turnout elections; Secretary of State notes implementation choices
Summary
Representative Christine Perez proposed HB 345 to allow selectmen to add polling places for specific elections without a townwide vote. The sponsor and the secretary of state said the change would help towns respond to very high turnout; the secretary suggested more lead time might be advisable and stressed the need for voter notice and planning.
Representative Christine Perez introduced HB 345, which would allow selectmen (instead of requiring a town vote) to add additional polling places for elections when local officials determine that additional sites would relieve long lines and improve voter access. The authority would be permissive — a town could choose to add polling places for busy elections but would not be forced to do so.
Witnesses and the secretary of state agreed that turnout growth has strained some municipal polling places and that options to add sites can be a practical remedy if towns plan and provide adequate notice. Secretary of State David Scanlon told the committee he would support giving municipal officials tools to plan for larger elections but recommended flexibility in lead time (30 days was suggested by the sponsor; the secretary said towns may want more time and coordination to operationalize new polling sites).
Committee members asked about electronic poll books and whether multiple locations could coordinate the checklists. Scanlon said towns can design procedures locally and should ensure clear public notice and operational training. The hearing did not record a final committee action in the transcript.
