In the Live Free or Die state, we know our elections are secure, free and fair
(BostonGlobe.com)
October 17, 2024 - With Election Day less than a month away, there’s a lot going on: town halls and door knocking, debates and events. Voters in the Granite State have a clear opportunity to make their voices heard this fall. There is a lot at stake. These elections will decide the future of our State and our people. They will decide whether we have access to needed reproductive healthcare, if our families can afford childcare while saving for a better future, if we can build an economy that rewards work not wealth, and if our government truly understands the day-to-day needs of the people.
That’s why it is critical you turn out to cast your ballot. Our election officials have been hard at work to make sure eligible voters can cast their ballot on Election Day, that our same day registration lines stay short, and that our local election officials have the support they need to do their jobs.
Far right politicians and pundits may try to claim this election will not be free or fair, and that we need to tighten the belt of voter suppression. That ineligible people are voting or that certain ballots should not be counted. They may even – as we saw right here in New Hampshire, in 2022 - say that tied elections should be determined by a coin toss, rather than a recount or special election. We’re seeing it now, again, with freshly rebranded – but still the same old - false claims of ineligible voters casting ballots, even though we have incredible, competent, devoted systems in place to ensure that doesn’t happen here in New Hampshire.
Politicians shouldn’t meddle in our election results. We need to embody our Live Free or Die values, which means giving voters the freedom to have their voice heard and ballot counted. That is how we build truly representative government. But sadly, it seems inevitable that election deniers and some far-right politicians will continue to try to raise illegitimate questions about our results to undermine the will of the people, even after ballots have been cast and counted.
Let me be clear: We know that in New Hampshire our elections are secure, free, and fair. Bipartisan groups of poll workers and election officials come together in each polling location to count votes. They work together every step of the way – to confirm voter eligibility, check the accuracy of election results, and independently observe our elections. There are checks and balances in place to ensure only the valid votes of eligible voters are counted. And no one’s rights and freedoms should be determined by chance when we have avenues for ensuring accurate results that reflect the will of the people.
The antidote to these extremist lies is to take action.
Educate yourself and your neighbors. Consider volunteering to be a poll worker. And above all: vote! Check your registration and know that you can register to vote on Election Day in the Granite State. Remember your driver’s license or another valid ID. You’ll need proof of your address and if you don’t have the paperwork, you are able to sign an affidavit under oath. If you’re traveling, have a disability, or another approved reason to vote absentee, request your ballot early and return it by noon on November 4th. Polls on Election Day are open in many communities 6:00 am or 7:00 am to 7:00 pm or 8:00 pm but check with your local city or hall town to confirm your polling location hours.
We all have a role to play in securing the future we want for New Hampshire – a future where we are all free to make the decisions for ourselves and our families. By doing your research and casting your ballot, you can play a pivotal part in determining what happens next in New Hampshire.
NH Senate candidate 2024: Rebecca Perkins Kwoka, District 21
(SeacoastOnline.com)
October 4, 2024 - Rebecca Perkins Kwoka is the New Hampshire State Senator representing District 21. In the Legislature, Perkins Kwoka is a champion for affordable housing, strong workforce development, a thriving economy, and reproductive rights. Rebecca holds various leadership positions serving as... Read More
Sen. Perkins Kwoka tried to make Juneteenth a New Hampshire holiday; House said no.
(SeacoastOnline.com)
June 18, 2024 - This year, state Sen. Rebecca Perkins Kwoka, D-Portsmouth, introduced Senate Bill 481 to instead establish June 19, Juneteenth, as an annual state holiday in New Hampshire... Read More
Remote job seekers can't get unemployment checks in NH. This bill would change that.
(SeacoastOnline.com)
May 21, 2024 - “More people are able to find work remotely and yet our state does not have any flexibility or process to protect this large number of people as they transition from one employment opportunity to the next,” said Perkins Kwoka... Read More
Sen. Perkins Kwoka: Housing solutions emerging
(SeacoastOnline.com)
March 13, 2024 - "Our lack of affordable and workforce housing is an undeniable issue that has been growing for years. This crisis is one that impacts the lives of Granite Staters and the choices they are able to make about their futures"... Read More
‘A deep need’: NH lawmakers propose slew of 2024 bills to address housing shortage
(SeacoastOnline.com)
December 22, 2023 - Among 2024’s most ambitious efforts will be the “HOMEnibus,” state Sen. Rebecca Perkins Kwoka’s attempt to pass a number of zoning-related law requirements into state statute... Read More
NH online voter registration bill fails after lawmaker infighting
(SeacoastOnline.com)
June 26, 2023 - New Hampshire lawmakers killed a bill last week that would have allowed for online voter registration in time for the 2024 presidential primaries, after Senate Republicans objected to an unrelated House amendment over ballot machines... Read More
Commentary: It's time for Gov. Sununu to act and protect abortion-care access in NH
(SeacoastOnline.com)
June 24, 2023 - Sununu, calling on him to right this wrong and take bold and affirmative action to protect access to reproductive health care in New Hampshire... Read More
Portsmouth, Pappas raise welcoming Pride flag as LGBTQ+ community is targeted nationally
(SeacoastOnline.com)
June 1, 2023 - Dignitaries took to Market Square Thursday to commemorate the start of Pride Month in June, honoring the LGBTQ+ community and the 1969 Stonewall riots, and raising a rainbow flag to embrace diversity and acceptance... Read More
State lawmakers earmark $40 million to ease housing shortage
(SentinelSource.com)
June 13, 2023 -- Sen. Rebecca Perkins Kwoka, D-Portsmouth, was the prime sponsor of a bill this year to create a “housing champion” program to help municipalities cover housing infrastructure costs, provided they adopt land use regulations necessary to promote the development of workforce housing. Read More
Breaking down the NH budget – four categories to note as House and Senate send bills back to Sununu
(ConcordMonitor.com)
June 8, 2023 -- A state budget is heading to Gov. Chris Sununu’s desk after a historic level of consensus in both the State Senate and House of Representatives. Read More
NH Senate Votes To Pass Its $15.6B Version of Budget
(InDepthNH.org)
June 7, 2023 -- CONCORD – The Senate voted to pass its $15.6 billion version of the budget and its trailer bill, House Bill 2 for the next two years. Read More
Republicans in NH Senate reject plan to remove penalties from abortion ban
(NHPR.org)
April 13, 2023 -- Republicans in the New Hampshire Senate on Thursday killed two bills aimed at bolstering abortion rights, both of which passed with bipartisan support in the House and had the backing of Gov. Chris Sununu. Read More
Abortion rights bills die in N.H. Senate
(Yahoo.com)
April 13, 2023 -- CONCORD — The debate over abortion rights at the State House effectively ended for the year Thursday when all 14 Senate Republicans voted to kill two House-passed bills to enshrine abortion rights in state law and... Read More
(Opinion) Affordable housing, child care key to boosting workforce
(NHBR.com)
April 7, 2023 -- Young folks across New Hampshire are bearing the brunt of economic headwinds these days. Think about it. Our state is short at least 20,000 housing units, housing costs are skyrocketing and child care is either not affordable or not available to young families. Read More
New Hampshire Senate votes to protect presidential primary
(APNews.com)
March 30, 2023 -- CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — New Hampshire’s prominent place in the presidential nominating calendar would be enshrined in the state’s constitution under a measure that won unanimous support Thursday in the state Senate. Read More
Commentary: Access to affordable housing and childcare are key to growing NH's workforce
(SeacoastOnline.com)
March 26, 2023 -- Young folks across New Hampshire are bearing the brunt of economic headwinds these days. Think about it. Our state is short at least 20,000 housing units, housing costs are skyrocketing, and childcare is either not affordable or not available to young families. Read More
Senate passes controversial parental rights bill, sending it to House
(NewHampshireBulletin.com)
March 16, 2023 -- The New Hampshire Senate passed a parental rights bill on party lines Thursday, sending to the House legislation that would require schools to disclose changes to a student’s gender identity if a parent asks. Read More
Sen. Perkins Kwoka: Solidarity in the Seacoast. Hate has no place here.
(SeacoastOnline.com)
Feb 24, 2023 - This week has been a hard week. Our Black, Jewish, and LGBTQ+ friends and neighbors were targeted here, in the City of the Open Door. No one was hurt - this time... Read More
Podcast: Perkins Kwoka And Moms Rising Talk Family Matters With Roger Wood
(Patch.com)
Feb 22, 2023 - Some New Hampshire legislators are working on a bill that would help prenatal and postnatal mothers, who may be suffering from depression. It is SB 175. One of the sponsors is District 21 State Sen. Rebecca Perkins Kwoka, D-Portsmouth... Read More
'More love...than hatred:' Portsmouth community responds to vandalism, swastikas on shops
(FOX23Maine.com)
Feb 21, 2023 - PORTSMOUTH, NH - Police are investigating "hate motivated crimes" in Portsmouth, where they found spray painted symbols, including swastikas, overnight... Read More
Senators Becky Whitley, Rebecca Perkins Kwoka & Sue Prentiss: MOMnibus prioritize well-being of moms and babies
(UnionLeader.com)
Feb 8, 2023 - MOTHERHOOD and pregnancy can be some of the most wonderful times of a person’s life. But the joys of bringing new life into the world can also bring serious, and often preventable, health complications when mothers do not have the right support... Read More
Champions: A winning proposal to help solve New Hampshire’s housing shortage
(NHBR.com)
Feb 8, 2023 - A renter’s nightmare. An aspiring homeowner’s dreams dashed. A business’ pleas for more workforce. The impact of the housing shortage is so severe that it can be felt in every corner of our state... Read More
Bill to enshrine abortion rights into state law heard in Senate committee
(ConcordMonitor.com)
Jan 31, 2023 - When Rebecca Perkins Kwoka first discussed access to abortion in the New Hampshire Senate last year, she was 24 weeks pregnant. The 24-week mark holds significance in New Hampshire – it’s the timeframe in which abortion is no longer legal in the state barring rare medical circumstances... Read More
Perkins Kwoka has Abortion, Clean Energy on her Mind for Upcoming Legislative Sessions
(TNHDigital.com)
Nov 2, 2022 - Rebecca Perkins Kwoka will again serve as the New Hampshire State Senator for Strafford County District 21, running unopposed in this year’s election... Read More
Sen. Perkins Kwoka: Hate is not welcome anywhere in New Hampshire
(SeacoastOnline.com)
Aug 21, 2022 - This is just one of the ways white supremacy reveals itself in the violence taking place in our state. Racism exists here and it is up to each... Read More
Rebecca Perkins Kwoka, Becky Whitley & Sue Prentiss: Women and kids hostages in culture war
(UnionLeader.com)
June 28, 2022 - AS MOTHERS, there is nothing we wouldn't do for our children. Securing their safety, their happiness, and their future has always been our... Read More
Opinion: Climate change is our generation’s make-or-break moment
(ConcordMonitor.com)
June 25, 2022 - IN THE 1960s, America brought together the best scientists and engineers to engage in the “space race.” Half a century later, when a global pandemic struck, we supported scientists to develop safe, effective vaccines in record time, saving lives here and around the globe... Read More
Will NH, Maine see abortion patients from out of state? Providers are 'committed' to help
(SeacoastOnline.com)
June 24, 2022 - Pregnant women started coming to New Hampshire, Maine and Vermont seeking abortions, even before Friday's U.S. Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, according to abortion providers.... Read More
CNN: As Roe v. Wade hangs in the balance, Democratic candidates prioritize abortion rights in 2022
(NHDP.org)
April 18, 2022 - In case you missed it, CNN released an article covering the national attacks on our reproductive rights and pro-choice candidates from across the country. The article highlighted State Senator Rebecca Perkins Kwoka, a fierce advocate for reproductive rights here in New Hampshire... Read More
As Roe v. Wade hangs in the balance, Democratic candidates prioritize abortion rights in 2022
(CNN.com)
April 18, 2022 - States across the country are rolling back access to abortion, and the fate of Roe v. Wade is up in the air – two factors that Democrats believe could elevate the issue of abortion rights this midterm cycle to a level not reached in recent memory... Read More
Sununu’s redistricting proposal for congressional districts raises concerns for some
(NewHampshireBulletin.com)
March 28, 2022 - Last week, Gov. Chris Sununu released a map with his idea of how the state’s two congressional districts should look for the next 10 years – a more competitive proposal than the Republican-backed version he has repeatedly vowed to veto... Read More
Republican Senators Pass New Unvetted Redistricting Map for Executive Council
(InDepthNH.org)
March 24, 2022 - CONCORD – Republican Senators passed an amended bill for redistricting the state’s Executive Council that wasn’t vetted in the public hearing process, angering Democrats... Read More
Controversial congressional redistricting map moves ahead
(Yahoo.com)
March 7, 2022 - CONCORD — A controversial House-passed map that would make the state's two congressional districts more partisan-leaning took a step closer to the desk of Gov. Chris Sununu, who has raised objections to it... Read More
Citizens ask Senate to change maps
(ConcordMonitor.com)
February 4, 2022 - Citizens and advocates are pushing the New Hampshire Senate to change redistricting maps they say are gerrymandered – and they’re now wielding Gov. Chris Sununu’s recent comments on the maps to make their case... Read More
Commentary: The fight of our generation
(SeacoastOnline.com)
January 17, 2022 - We are in the midst of a history defining moment. Our American democracy, the greatest democracy in the world, is cracking... Read More
More battles loom in New Hampshire redistricting process
(WMUR.com)
November 17, 2021 - CONCORD, N.H. — A showdown over redistricting could be looming for Gov. Chris Sununu as lawmakers consider new congressional maps that critics call gerrymandered... Read More
'Grave consequences': Democratic legislators gather in Portsmouth to slam NH abortion ban
(SeacoastOnline.com)
July 1, 2021 - PORTSMOUTH — Thirty-one and a half weeks pregnant herself, State Sen. Rebecca Perkins-Kwoka, D-Portsmouth, spoke vehemently Thursday morning in opposition to New Hampshire’s recently enacted abortion ban, which lawmakers inserted into the state’s budget and Gov. Chris Sununu signed into law Friday, June 25... Read More
Sens. Becky Whitley and Rebecca Perkins Kwoka: Budget isn't for legislating abortion
(UnionLeader.com)
June 23, 2021 - — OVER OUR objections, the Republican majority in the state Senate passed a draconian budget that includes a cruel abortion ban, which is extreme in its lack of exceptions. This anti-woman, anti-family policy will only serve to harm Granite Staters in intensely complex circumstances, and criminalize doctors for providing compassionate care... Read More
Rebecca Perkins Kwoka Offers a Hand to Struggling Small Business
(podcasts.apple.com)
June 17, 2021 -- During Pride Month, host Ryan Coonerty talks with Senator Rebecca Perkins Kwoka, the first openly LGBTQ+ woman to be elected to New Hampshire's state senate, about her work to ensure small businesses aren't left out of pandemic recovery and how she brings new perspectives and voices to the table as a member of the LGBTQ community... Read More
Protesters Gather at State House Opposed to Abortion Language in Budget Bill
(InDepthNH.org)
June 16, 2021 -- CONCORD – A dozen “Handmaids” protested at the New Hampshire State House Wednesday to join with other people opposed to the addition of anti-abortion language in the proposed biennial budget... Read More
'Intrusion of state': Sen. Perkins Kwoka assails abortion limits in NH's $13.5B budget
(SeacoastOnline.com))
June 3, 2021 -- CONCORD — The Republican-led New Hampshire Senate was on track Thursday to approve a $13.5 billion two-year state budget after rejecting attempts by Democrats to remove both proposed business tax cuts and abortion restrictions... Read More
Dropping mandates, hiking for stress, opening stadiums: News from around our 50 states
(USATODAY.com)
March 3, 2021 -- New businesses that opened just in time to be slammed by the coronavirus pandemic would be eligible for more help under a bill before a state Senate committee Tuesday. The state distributed more than $400 million in federal funding through its Main Street Relief Fund for small businesses, but only those that were established before May 26, 2019, were eligible. “This cut out a large segment of new small businesses which fill new needs in our communities and create the most new jobs at a time when they were really struggling,” said Sen. Rebecca Perkins Kwoka, D-Portsmouth... Read More
NH bill would help new businesses hit by coronavirus
(wcax.com)
March 2, 2021 -- CONCORD, N.H. (AP) - New businesses that opened just in time to be slammed by the coronavirus pandemic would be eligible for more help under a bill before a Senate committee Tuesday... Read More
Loudon speedway vaccination site to open this weekend
(ConcordMonitor.com)
March 2, 2021 -- The state of New Hampshire is planning to open a mass vaccination site by appointment only for this weekend at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway. The goal: 10,000 people... Read More
Seacoast new businesses hope NH bill will bring COVID relief funds
(SeacoastOnline.com)
March 2, 2021 -- CONCORD — New businesses that opened just in time to be slammed by the coronavirus pandemic would be eligible for more help under a bill before a Senate committee Tuesday... Read More
Bill requires lactation spaces
(ConcordMonitor.com)
February 4, 2021 -- The New Hampshire Senate voted Thursday for a bill to require New Hampshire companies to allow new mothers to pump breast milk at work, moving forward a protection that has been years in the works... Read More
Opinion/Perkins Kwoka, Sherman: Our democracy is too important
(SeacoastOnline.com)
Jan 30, 2021 -- NH Senators Rebecca Perkins Kwoka and Tom Sherman —Our state is about to enter into a process which will decide if voters will pick their politicians or if politicians will pick their voters.By drawing a fair and impartial map based on people and not politics, based on representation and not partisan power, we can help heal and unite our country... Read More
Our Turn: New Hampshire must stand up for working mothers
(ConcordMonitor.com)
Jan 25, 2021 -- NH Senators Rebecca Perkins Kwoka and Becky Whitley —Working and having a family has never been so difficult. Stagnant incomes and outdated workplace practices continue to pit being a parent against having a career. Unfortunately, we have also seen that the global pandemic has disproportionately impacted working mothers and women of color in New Hampshire and across the country. We need to do more to support working families... Read More
NH senator: Grocery workers, teachers should get COVID vaccine priority
(SeacoastOnline.com)
Jan 20, 2021 -- PORTSMOUTH — State Sen. Rebecca Perkins Kwoka penned a letter this week to Gov. Chris Sununu asking that teachers, grocery store employees and individuals with Type I diabetes be moved up into Phase 1B of the state's COVID-19 vaccination plan... Read More
Rebecca Perkins Kwoka becomes first openly LGBTQ+ woman elected to NH Senate
(SeacoastOnline.com)
Nov 3, 2020 -- PORTSMOUTH — Democrat Rebecca Perkins Kwoka won the Senate District 21 race over Republican Sue Polidura becoming the first openly LGBTQ+ woman elected to New Hampshire Senate... Read More