Committee hears bipartisan push for Secretary of State voter‑education program funded with HAVA dollars

Representative Matt Wilhelm told the committee HB1601 directs the Secretary of State to develop voter education that explains recent statutory changes and how they affect voters at the polls. "Voters should clearly understand the rules that apply to them before they show up to vote," Wilhelm said, arguing confusion creates frustration for voters and extra burden for election workers.

Why it matters: The bill aims to reduce election‑day confusion — a problem advocates say disproportionately affects voters with disabilities, older voters and first‑time voters — by putting $50,000 of HAVA funds toward a targeted, accessible public‑education pilot.

Advocates' testimony: Kristen Evans, director of policy for ABLE New Hampshire, said people with disabilities often face barriers to notarization, printing, or complex online forms and that HB1601 is a modest but practical improvement for accessibility. Kaylee Abstradio of Open Democracy said repeated outreach is necessary to ensure voters remember new rules; she described the proposed program as a modernized, practical step to reduce last‑minute problems at polling places.

Committee notes: Members asked whether the Secretary's office already provides similar education to election officials; Wilhelm replied existing efforts focus on local officials and that HB1601 would fund proactive public outreach to the general electorate. A representative described the $50,000 as a one‑time pilot to be reassessed.

Status: The public hearing was closed; committee discussion may follow.