Open Democracy NH

05/31/2026

Executive Director Olivia Zink spoke at this afternoons NH 50501 Liberty and Justice for All rally!

05/31/2026

05/30/2026

05/29/2026

🚨 MAJOR VICTORY FOR NEW HAMPSHIRE VOTERS 🚨

A federal judge has blocked HB 1569, New Hampshire's documentary proof of citizenship voting law, ruling that key provisions of the law violate the U.S. Constitution.

As a result of today's ruling, the Qualified Voter Affidavit has been immediately restored. For decades, this affidavit has securely allowed eligible voters who did not have documentary proof of citizenship available to register and vote by swearing under penalty of perjury that they are U.S. citizens.

The court found that HB 1569 imposed unjustifiable burdens on eligible voters while doing little to advance any legitimate state interest.

Thank you to the voters, advocates, attorneys, coalition partners, and supporters who helped make this victory possible.

Today is a victory for voting rights, for democracy, and for every eligible Granite Stater's freedom to vote. 🗳️

Read full decision and our press release:

An equal voice for all

05/29/2026

One example among many cited during testimony in Coalition for Open Democracy et al. v. NH Secretary of State illustrates the real-world impact of documentary proof of citizenship laws like HB 1569:

"Ms. Chouinard and former Election Law Unit Chief and current Deputy Secretary of State Brendan O’Donnell offered testimony about Earl Rinker III, an 89-year-old man who had moved from one voting ward in Manchester to another, attempted to vote in the September 2025 primary and was initially turned away because he did not bring proof of domicile.

He went home and returned to the polling location with his proof of domicile but was then told that he also needed documents to prove his citizenship.

Mr. Rinker explained that he was a former ward clerk in Manchester and had been voting in New Hampshire for over 70 years. He was turned away again.

After Mr. Rinker subsequently contacted the Hotline, Investigator Tracy and Deputy O’Donnell were able to confirm his prior registration status. They then reached out to the local election officials who had not allowed Mr. Rinker to vote and told them that they should accept his prior registration status as proof of citizenship if he returned to the polling location to vote. Mr. Rinker did not return."

Read more:

Anti-voter law was among the most restrictive in the United States, and placed unconstitutional burdens on voters

05/20/2026

Join us for Open Democracy’s 2026 Annual Meeting on June 24 at the Derryfield Restaurant in Manchester! 🎉

We’re honored to welcome Brennan Center for Justice at NYU Law counsel Marina Pino as this year’s keynote speaker, sharing insights on voting rights, election security, and money in politics. 🗳️

We’ll celebrate the past year of democracy work across New Hampshire, recognize incredible volunteers and community leaders with special awards 🏆, and look ahead to the work still to come.

🎟️ Tickets: $55 in advance / $60 at the door: https://www.opendemocracynh.org/2026annualmeeting
🎓 $30 student & limited-income tickets available—if you’re able, please consider donating a ticket to help more students and community members attend: https://www.opendemocracynh.org/2026_amstudent_ticket
⭐ Sponsor the event to receive formal recognition in our program book: https://www.opendemocracynh.org/2026_am_sponsor

We’d love to celebrate with you—whether you’ve been involved for years or are just joining the movement for a stronger and more equitable democracy in New Hampshire. 💙

An equal voice for all

05/18/2026

Kaylie had a blast tabling at the NH Democratic Convention this past Saturday at Dover High—chatting with folks about recent election law changes and sharing more about the work happening at Open Democracy to create an equal voice for all. 🗳️

Thanks to everyone who stopped by to connect with us! 🤝

05/16/2026

If you are a student in NH who is eligible to vote but has questions about what you need to register, check out our new educational flyers on voter registration and voting in New Hampshire elections. Find them under the “Voter Guides” section at www.sos.nh.gov/elections/register-vote!

05/16/2026

Sam had a great time talking about his work to register high school voters across New Hampshire at the inaugural iCivics NH Educator Convening on May 8!

Sam Cassin, High School Voter Registration Coordinator for Open Democracy, is in the house!