Justice Department Launches Federal Lawsuit Against New Hampshire Over Controversial Voter Domicile Law

The U.S. Department of Justice has ignited a significant legal battle in New Hampshire, filing a federal lawsuit against the state over a recently enacted law, Senate Bill 418 (SB 418). This pivotal legal challenge centers on new requirements for voters to provide detailed "domicile" information, which the DOJ argues is discriminatory and imposes an undue burden on eligible citizens, potentially stripping them of their fundamental right to vote.

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Attorney General Merrick Garland, the law "imposes unnecessary and discriminatory barriers to the ballot box." The DOJ contends that SB 418 directly violates the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA), which explicitly prohibits states from imposing additional information requirements beyond what is federally mandated for registration in federal elections.

Federal prosecutors highlight that the law disproportionately targets specific populations, including students, military personnel, and Native Americans, by demanding intricate information that goes far beyond simply establishing residency, potentially leading to their disenfranchisement.

Enacted in July 2024 and slated to take effect on September 27, 2025, SB 418 establishes a new, more stringent definition of "domicile" and mandates that all voters provide specific domicile information.

The implications are stark: if a voter fails to provide this detailed data, they are compelled to complete an affidavit. This action then triggers an extensive investigation by state election officials. Should a voter not respond to two subsequent mailings from the state within a tight 60-day window, their name can be summarily removed from the voter checklist, effectively stripping them of their voting rights.

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Attorney Jane Young emphasized that federal law exists to ensure all eligible citizens can participate in federal elections without facing arbitrary or excessive barriers, such as those presented by SB 418. The lawsuit unequivocally asserts that the law could deter legitimate voters, especially those who may have multiple residences, transient living situations, or simply find the new requirements overly complex and intrusive, from exercising their precious right to vote.

New Hampshire has a documented history of facing legal challenges regarding its voting laws, underscoring a persistent tension between state-level election regulations and federal voter protection statutes.

The DOJ’s forceful intervention in this instance underscores a broader federal commitment to safeguarding equitable voting access across the nation. This critical lawsuit aims to prevent SB 418 from ever taking effect, protecting countless voters from what the federal government views as an unconstitutional impediment to democratic participation.

The ultimate outcome of this case will undoubtedly have profound implications for voter registration and election integrity, not only within New Hampshire but potentially setting significant precedents for similar legislative efforts nationwide.