Action of the Week - A Simple But Powerful Action You Can Take

Questions / Comments / Corrections, contact Brian Beihl, Deputy Director

-  Updated May 18, 2021 -

This week's Action: 

Wednesday, May 19, at 9:30, NH Election Law hears testimony on a surprise, non-germane amendment to SB 89.   This amendment tries to prevent the use of election rules in the federal H.R. 1 / S. 1 For the People Act for state and county elections. 

Given the refusal of the NH Legislature to pass sensible bills which allow every voter to be heard, we think that the provisions of H.R. 1 / S. 1 For the People Act are huge steps forward, and support the implementation nationally and here in NH. 

Here is your action:

Please sign in to oppose this SB 89 amendment via the House Calendar!  http://gencourt.state.nh.us/house/committees/remotetestimony/default.aspx

1. Select “Wed. May 19th”
2. Select “House Election law”
3. Select “SB 89 amendment 2021-1445h ”
4. Select “I oppose this bill”
5. Then complete the address information

If you want to speak against the amendment: Under testimony, select “Testimony is for non-germane amendment.” 

 9:30 a.m. SB 89 Amendment Public Hearing on non-germane amendment #2021-1445h to SB 89..  The amendment adds a part VI to the bill which would not allow NH to follow the For the People Act rules, if it passes,  for county or state elections.  A similar amendment was defeated in Texas last week, suggesting that this may be a coordinated national effort to neutralize H.R. 1 / S. 1.   Should it pass, Open Democracy Action would oppose SB 89.   The NH Senate would have to “concur” on SB 89 after such an amendment.  Open Democracy Action opposes this amendment

Thank you for taking this simple action!

Brian Beihl, Deputy Director, Open Democracy Action

If you did this action and want to do more, consider joining an Open Democracy Team.   Our six regional teams are briefed each week for an hour and given 1-3 actions each week, but with more learning and strategy involved.   Actions include writing letters to legislators, letters to the editor, working with your local election officials on issues, calling your state reps and senators, and fun actions like this signs, walks, parades and festivals.   You can choose your level of commitment, but you'll be a smarter, more engaged, more powerful citizen as a result!  Check it out

"All around the country, the public is becoming increasingly disenchanted with special interests dominating our democracy. Reform is brewing in New Hampshire, where, in 2019, legislators will introduce a 'Voter Dollars' bill to create a voluntary public funding system for state elections.

"The bill, drafted with bipartisan support, would give each registered voter four $25 certificates that they can contribute to participating candidates of their choice—similar to a program implemented in Seattle in 2017 and others being considered around the country, including in Albuquerque. Participating candidates would agree to only accept small donations and refuse money from lobbyists, businesses, and labor unions. This would give voters greater voice in government and provide candidates with an alternate path to power, allowing them to succeed without relying on wealthy private networks, corporate support, or out-of-state influence.

"Why is a system like this needed in New Hampshire? MapLight dove into the state’s campaign finance landscape to answer this question."

Read the full article.