UPDATE 4:p.m.: The NH Supreme Court has granted an emergency motion to the city allowing the Nov. 5 election to proceed. Read more here.
MANCHESTER, NH — One day before the city’s municipal election — which includes a ballot for school charter commission members — a state representative from Manchester has challenged the legality of timing for the filing period.
A ruling on the matter is expected Nov. 4 by Hillsborough County Superior Court North Judge David Anderson. Under consideration is a complaint filed by State Rep. Mark Warden, a Republican representing Hillsborough-District 15. Warden says he was not allowed to file candidacy when he attempted to do so in October. Based on his interpretation of state law the filing period for the charter commission should have been open in October.
City Clerk Matt Normand said on Monday that he is waiting for the judge’s decision.
“The litigation is ongoing so I cannot comment further at the moment. I expect the City will make an announcement as soon as litigation has concluded,” Normand said.
Normand previously explained that there are requirements within the city’s election law that would push back the delivery of election ballots well beyond the state’s deadline.
Part of Warden’s complaint includes the fact that the city filing period opened up two days before HB 544 was signed into law on July 10. However, HB 544 requires the charter commission election be included as part of the November municipal election, which meant the city had to abide by election laws related to meeting official deadlines.
We’ll update this story as soon as we have more information about the ruling from court.
