Episode 32767: Open Democracy Minute for July 12, 2021: Gov. Sununu sees SB 89 shortly, prohibiting NH from using federal "For the People Act" for state elections

Open Democracy Minute

You're listening to the Open Democracy Minute, keeping Granite State government by and for the people. Earlier this spring, SB 89 was heard in the NH Senate and House Election law committees. We described in May how SB 89 had been a bill with some sensible election improvements. But when it arrived in House Election law, the anti-voter faction of the committee passed an amendment block the federal, not-even-approved-yet S.1 For the People Act, from being used for state elections. Surprisingly, the Senate “concurred” with the amendment, and is sending the bill to Governor Sununu, who has not yet signed the bill. Grandstanding to support the Big Lie, to be sure, since the For the People Act still has hurdles in the U.S. Senate. Should he sign the bill, Governor Sununu would be responsible for additional cost and chaos in our electoral system. SB 89 would result in separate federal and state ballots, separate absentee ballots, and separate voter registration systems. There would be early voting for federal elections, but not for state. And there will be expense to the state and towns. The For the People Act, would have covered some of the expense both – if the state's election wasn't separate. Governor Sununu has a choice to make on whether to choose fiscal responsibility over unfunded mandates. Sensible reforms over chaos. And the Freedom to Vote over suppression. As Granny D said, “Democracy is not something we HAVE, it's something we DO.” Governor Sununu's phone number is 603-271-2121. For the Open Democracy Minute, I'm Brian Beihl.