Disability Community Applauds Governor’s Veto of HB 613
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August 1, 2025
CONTACT: Stephanie Patrick, Executive Director
Disability Rights Center – New Hampshire
(603) 228-0432 or stephaniep@drcnh.org
Disability Community Applauds Governor’s Veto of Bill That Would Limit Accessible Voting
Concord, NH – Today, Governor Ayotte vetoed HB 613, which would have permitted cities and towns to opt-out of New Hampshire’s requirement that they provide accessible voting systems for local elections. The bill directly conflicts with the voting rights of individuals with disabilities as guaranteed by the Americans with Disabilities Act and the New Hampshire Constitution.
Disability and voting rights advocates across the state applauded the Governor’s veto.
“Now those of us with vision and print disabilities will be able to vote independently and keep our votes private like everyone else. For me, as a blind person, it’s empowering and exciting,” said Jean Shiner, of Exeter, a long-time voting rights advocate who helped bring awareness to this issue.
“People with disabilities have the right to vote privately and independently in all elections, whether it’s for president or town council,” said Stephanie Patrick, Executive Director of Disability Rights Center – NH. “We thank the Governor for vetoing this bill and affirming this right for all New Hampshire voters.”
“I’m grateful to Governor Ayotte for vetoing House Bill 613, a decision that powerfully affirms the rights of individuals who are blind, visually impaired, or otherwise face barriers to accessing a traditional print ballot. Her action reinforces the principle that every Granite Stater deserves the ability to vote privately, securely, and without additional burden,” said Randy Pierce, President & CEO, Future In Sight.
Until last year, accessible voting was only available during federal and state elections. This changed when then Governor Chris Sununu signed into law House Bill 1264, extending the requirement for accessible voting machines to municipal elections. Governor Ayotte’s veto of HB 613 ensures that accessible voting will be available for all future voters in all cities and towns that use official ballots.
New Hampshire’s accessible voting system, the ‘one4all’, uses a tablet, keyboard, headset, and printer to allow people of all abilities and disabilities to select their choices independently and privately on a tablet instead of on paper. After making their selections, voters can print out a completed paper ballot and submit it like all other voters. To learn more about accessible voting please visit https://drcnh.org/disability-issue-areas/voting/.
###
DRC-NH protects, advances, and strengthens the legal rights and advocacy interests of all people with disabilities. More information about DRC-NH can be found at http://www.drcnh.org.
