A GOP Lawsuit In The Granite State: Access Denied
The New Hampshire GOP filed a lawsuit against the state this afternoon alleging that its observers have been denied "reasonable access" to several same-day voter registration tables. GOP attorney James Merrill explained: "Manchester has been a problem, and it's been statewide, and we're trying to work through the confusion as to what's permissible. We're asking the court to grant us reasonable access to observe the process" (Distaso, New Hampshire Union Leader).
In short order, Hillsborough Co. Superior Court Judge Gillian Abramson issued an "emergency" ruling affirming the rights of poll challengers to listen in on those who seek to take advantage of the state's same-day registration option. Abramson's order called on NH Sec/State Bill Gardner to enforce access in the event of a complaint so that poll watchers can "meaningfully see and hear each voter as he or she offers to vote."
Merrill, meanwhile, said he was pleased with the court ruling, which he called "fair and reasonable," but he didn't know if the matter had been put to rest. Merrill: "Whether or not other things arise from this today, I couldn't tell you" (Dorgan, Concord Monitor).