Local ballot measures, New Hampshire

From Ballotpedia

In some cities and towns in New Hampshire, residents can place an initiative on the ballot through the petition process. Signatures equalling 20% of the city-wide vote in the most recent election is the general requirement to place a measure on a city-wide ballot.

Article 39

Article 39 of the First Part of the New Hampshire Constitution says:

"No law changing the charter or form of government of a particular city or town shall be enacted by the legislature except to become effective upon the approval of the voters of such city or town upon a referendum to be provided for in said law. The legislature may by general law authorize cities and towns to adopt or amend their charters or forms of government in any way which is not in conflict with general law, provided that such charters or amendments shall become effective only upon the approval of the voters of each such city or town on a referendum."

Town meetings via ballot measures

Cities and towns in New Hampshire may adopt what is called the "ballot referendum form" of their town meeting; this allows citizens to collect signatures and place questions directly before the voter through a standard election process rather than participating in person at a town meeting.

Liquor sales

If 5% of the legal voters of a city or town file a petition with the Secretary of State of New Hampshire no earlier than the first Wednesday after the first Tuesday in August, and no later than the first Friday in September before a state general election, ballot questions worded as below shall be placed before a city or town's voters:

• "Shall state stores be operated by permission of the state liquor commission in this city or town?"
• "Shall malt beverages (beer) be sold by permission of the state liquor commission in this city or town?"
• "Shall wines containing not less than 6 percent nor more than 15.5 percent of alcoholic content by volume at 60 degrees Fahrenheit (table wine) be sold by permission of the state liquor commission in this city or town?"
• "Shall liquor be sold for consumption on the premises where sold by permission of the state liquor commission in this city or town?"

If a majority of the qualified voters present and voting in a city or town signifies its approval, then the state liquor commission at its discretion may operate state liquor stores in the town or city in question.

Sweepstakes

If 5% of the legal voters of a city or town file a petition with the Secretary of State no earlier than the first Wednesday after the first Tuesday in August, and no later than the first Friday in September before a state general election, ballot questions worded as below shall be placed before a city or town's voters:

• "Shall sweepstakes tickets (continue to) be sold in this city or town?"

If a majority of those voting vote "yes" on the question, tickets may be sold or continued to be sold by the commission in that city or town.

External links

• Laws governing ballot referendum form of town meetings
• New Hampshire local government center on ballot referendum ballots
• SB 2 towns and the meaning of democracy

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