Two voting reform bills sponsored by Sen. Gray signed into law

A miscount in Windham elections last November spurred an official audit that showed flaws in voting machines. (Courtesy photo)

CONCORD - Two Republican-backed bills supporting voting rights and fair elections have been signed into law. SB31 makes the process clearer for signing the affidavit required on absentee ballots while SB 89 establishes a committee to study post-election ballot audits.

Sen. Jim Gray, R-Rochester, prime sponsor of both pieces of legislation, issued the following comment today:
"The intent of SB 31 has always been to make the affidavit process regarding absentee ballots less confusing for voters, so I am pleased it has been signed into law. In the past, voters were required to choose between two separate affidavits to indicate their reason for submitting an absentee ballot. Going forward there will be only one, clearly defined affidavit giving voters choices regarding which statement to check to confirm their reason for using an absentee ballot. I am confident this simple change will make a big difference to voters, as well as the city and town clerks who are responsible for processing the absentee ballots."
"Gray added that SB 89 makes it clear that Republicans "care about fair elections."

"The Commission to Study Post Election Audit Counting Devices has been established and will be the long-term resolution to problems that occur during election recounts, like the ones that emerged this past election cycle in Windham," Gray said. "Committee members will explore the different options when it comes to conducting an audit and the optimum process to carrying them out. This is the best way to guarantee free, fair and open elections."