NH HB1604

Town selectmen or city ward officers may request any town- or city-owned facility (schools, town halls, fire stations, or other municipal property) meeting size and accessibility requirements be made available as a polling place for state, federal, and municipal elections

Designated polling place facilities must ensure free and convenient access for voters, election officials, and equipment while permitting continuation of normal governmental, educational, and emergency response operations

Municipalities bear responsibility for reasonable costs directly related to polling place use, including custodial services, utilities, and security, unless parties agree otherwise

Estimated local expenditure increase of $10,000 to $100,000 per additional polling location, primarily for staffing and essential services, with potential legal expenses if disputes arise over reasonable costs

Takes effect 60 days after passage