By Solange Reyner | Friday, 31 October 2025 07:13 PM EDT
The Republican National Committee (RNC) and the New Hampshire Republican Party have joined a legal challenge to defend SB 287, a state law requiring voters casting absentee ballots to present photo identification or secure notarization. The lawsuit, filed by visually impaired individuals Adele Robertson, Regina Wilson, and blind voter Daniel Frye, argues that the law imposes an undue burden on disabled voters.
SB 287, signed into law by New Hampshire Governor Kelly Ayotte on August 1, mandates that absentee ballot applicants either present photo ID in person or have their application notarized. Plaintiffs claim this requirement disproportionately affects individuals with visual impairments, who face challenges accessing notary services or duplicating identification documents. The suit highlights that the process must be repeated for every election, creating a “severe burden” on voting rights.
RNC Chair Joe Gruters defended the law in a press release, stating that voter ID measures are essential to ensure election integrity and prevent fraud. He cited public support for such safeguards, asserting that New Hampshire voters deserve confidence in their electoral system. The RNC has previously backed similar laws in Montana and Indiana.
The lawsuit names New Hampshire Secretary of State David Scanlan and Attorney General John Formella as defendants. It emphasizes that the law’s repeated requirements for photo ID or notarization create systemic obstacles for disabled voters, violating constitutional protections.
Solange Reyner is a writer and editor for Newsmax, with over 15 years of experience in journalism.
