In Milford, New Hampshire, a resident was unable to participate in important town decisions, including approving a $19 million operating budget and electing officials, due to a new law mandating proof of U.S. citizenship for voter registration. Similarly, in Durham, an 18-year-old student missed the opportunity to vote on the school board and funding for new athletic field turf because of this requirement. These incidents, shared by town clerks, might serve as a lesson for other states as the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act moves through Congress, and as similar legislation is considered in numerous states. In a related move, President Donald Trump has issued an executive order necessitating proof of citizenship for federal election registration—a directive that will likely face legal challenges.
A particular concern for voting rights advocates is the difficulty faced by married women who have changed their names. For example, Brooke Yonge, a hairstylist from Derry, encountered issues when she attempted to vote due to discrepancies between her birth certificate and driver’s license. She had to provide her marriage certificate to verify her identity. Although New Hampshire allows same-day voter registration, 56 people were denied registration during a town election, raising concerns about what might occur during higher-turnout general elections. Town clerks worry that voters turned away may not return, potentially disenfranchising citizens, particularly women with complex name change histories.
At a national level, there has been discord over requiring citizenship proof for voter registration. A prior House bill addressing this stalled due to lack of Senate support. However, with new political dynamics, the issue is expected to resurface. Concerns over noncitizen voting are raised by some, despite studies indicating that such incidents are rare. The executive order also aims to arm election officials with data to identify noncitizens on voting rolls, posing potential conflicts over federal funding for non-compliant states.
Even with broad support for the state’s citizenship law, there is recognition of its implementation challenges. During the town hall elections, Michael Appleton had to retrieve multiple documents before registering, but he accepted the inconvenience, viewing the requirement as a way to ensure voting integrity. State Rep. Bob Lynn believes the law’s requirements are reasonable and necessary, emphasizing the importance of being prepared to vote.
The conversation on voter registration extends beyond New Hampshire. Similar mandates for proof of citizenship have stirred friction in states like Arizona and Kansas, where data issues and legal victories have highlighted the complexities and potential disenfranchisement tied to such laws. In Texas, legislation even more stringent than the federal proposal is being considered, intending to utilize citizenship proof for both registration and verification of current voters.
Despite ongoing challenges, New Hampshire lawmakers are contemplating further adaptations to the law. A bill granting vouchers to cover the cost of obtaining a birth certificate for indigent voters has seen preliminary approval, although critics argue that declaring poverty is degrading. Additionally, lawmakers want to enhance the secretary of state’s ability to verify citizenship documents, limited to state-issued certificates, which some deem insufficient.
In one civic lesson highlighted in Durham, a high school student eager to register to vote lacked the necessary documentation. Despite receiving guidance from election officials, the student didn’t return, indicating potential gaps in the system that could deter young voters. These developments continue to influence discussions about voter registration and election integrity across the nation.