Veterans and Military Organizations Urge Gov. Ayotte to Veto Elections Bill

CONCORD, N.H. – An elections bill would create new hurdles to cast a ballot for members of the military and their families stationed overseas, voters with disabilities, and senior citizens, according to a letter signed by a coalition of military and veterans advocacy organizations sent to Governor Kelly Ayotte today. In the letter, the coalition is urging Gov. Ayotte to veto S.B. 287, which would create new, redundant mandates on local election officials and voters who wish to use an absentee ballot. 

The letter, which can be viewed here, is signed by Count Every Hero, Secure Families Initiative, The Chamberlain Network, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, Veterans For All Voters, and Secure Democracy USA.

Statement by Diego Echeverri, director of advocacy at Secure Democracy USA and a U.S. Army veteran:

“There are already significant checks and balances to ensure New Hampshire has safe and secure elections. This bill unjustly imposes more bureaucratic government red tape for overseas military voters and their families to navigate just to be able to have a say in the country they are protecting.”

Statement by Christopher Purdy, CEO of The Chamberlain Network and a U.S. Army National Guard veteran:

“Those who’ve worn the uniform have always understood the importance of showing up—for our country, for our communities, and for our responsibilities as citizens. Absentee voting is one of the ways veterans have stayed engaged in civic life, whether while deployed overseas or managing responsibilities here at home. It’s a system that works and should be strengthened, not undermined. SB 287 imposes new barriers that don’t improve security but do make it harder for people—especially veterans, seniors, and rural voters—to participate. That’s not the direction we should be heading. Expanding access to secure absentee voting is not just good policy—it’s a reflection of respect for every American’s right to be heard.”

To view the coalition letter urging Gov. Ayotte to veto S.B. 287, click here.