Our right to vote is facing an unprecedented threat in the form of a respiratory pandemic that is making polls a potentially deadly health risk to workers – many of whom are among the highest risk populations – and voters alike. Our present situation necessitates an upgrade to our voting system that makes it more accessible, safe, and convenient.

The recent announcement by our governor and secretary of state that all registered NH voters can use a disability loophole to request absentee ballots is a step in the right direction, but more action must be taken. Some towns are considering a proactive mailing of ballots to their registered voters. While these measures are useful, they don’t eliminate the need to ensure that the process is coordinated at the state level to ensure it is uniform, frictionless, and user friendly. We need ballots mailed with pre-paid postage to ensure everyone can send them, and that returned ballots can be counted safely, promptly, and securely.

We are running out of time and these issues must be addressed immediately to ensure that our fall elections do not descend into deliberate chaos, like they have in Wisconsin and Georgia. New Hampshire has an opportunity to lead the way in voter safety and security. Why wouldn’t we embrace it?

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