2026 Ballot Questions

The 2026 general election ballot contains two (2) ballot questions on the second page.
The Nashua Dems are offering this page for background and recommendations on these questions.
Find your sample ballot here.

Question 1

We Recommend: Vote YES

1. “Are you in favor of eliminating the office of register of probate by amending articles 71 and 81 of the second part of the constitution to read as follows: [Art.] 71. [County Treasurers, County Attorneys, Sheriffs, and Registers of Deeds Elected.] The county treasurers, county attorneys, sheriffs and registers of deeds, shall be elected by the inhabitants of the several towns, in the several counties in the State, according to the method now practiced, and the laws of the state, provided nevertheless the legislature shall have authority to alter the manner of certifying the votes, and the mode of electing those officers; but not so as to deprive the people of the right they now have of electing them. [Art.] 81. [Judges Not to Act as Counsel.] No judge shall be of counsel, act as advocate, or receive any fees as advocate or counsel, in any probate business which is pending, or may be brought into any court of probate in the county of which he or she is judge.” (Passed by the N.H. House 325 Yes 15 No; Passed by the Senate 23 Yes 1 No) CACR 13

Summary: Remove the Register of Probate position from the New Hampshire Constitution.

Why to Vote YES:

The responsibilities for the Register of Probate were transferred to the probate division of the circuit court in 2011.
The Register of Probate has no office, no phone, no desk, no computer, and no real duties.
The House voted 325-15 and the Senate voted 23-1 in favor of removing the Register of Probate position.

References

“New Hampshire Eliminate Office of Register of Probate Amendment (2026).” Ballotpedia. https://ballotpedia.org/New_Hampshire_Eliminate_Office_of_Register_of_Probate_Amendment_(2026)

“Sytek: Eliminate The Obsolete Position Of Register Of Probate.” Patch. https://patch.com/new-hampshire/salem-nh/sytek-eliminate-obsolete-position-register-probate/

Question 2

We Recommend: Vote NO

2. “Shall the City of NASHUA – Ward 1 limit property tax growth for NASHUA SCHOOL DISTRICT (SAU #42) under RSA 32:5-i? If adopted for a two-year period: (1) the local property tax levy may not grow beyond the prior year’s amount, adjusted for inflation and new construction; (2) SAU central office spending may not exceed 6 percent of total school district appropriations; and (3) bonded capital costs are excluded from both limits. These caps apply only to administrative operations of the SAU central office and do not affect classroom instruction, school-based services, or other municipal expenditures. These limits may be overridden as provided in RSA 32:5-i. Adoption requires a three-fifths (3/5) majority vote.”

NOTE: This is taken from a Ward 1 sample ballot. The question inexplicably specifies the ward number on each ballot.

Summary: Cap public school budget growth at the rate of inflation, requiring program cuts whenever actual operating costs rise faster.

Why to Vote NO:

School costs are rising faster than rate of inflation, including special education, heating, bus transportation, and health insurance.
The question is misleading. The cap will lead to further cuts to educators and resources, and will affect classroom instruction, as well as CTE, sports, and AP classes.
The legislature is neglecting the state’s obligation to pay its constitutionally mandated portion of an adequate education, resorting to gimmicks to deflect responsibility.
Nashua already operates a lean school budget. 56 staff positions were cut this year, including 21 teacher roles.

References

“Question 2: HB 1300 on the Ballot.” Reaching Higher NH. https://www.reachinghighernh.org/content-item/558/question-2-tax-caps

HB 1300 Does Not Address Property Taxes – Instead Seeks to Downshift Blame to Local Communities.” NH School Funding Fairness Project. https://fairfundingnh.org/hb1300-press-release/