
For Immediate Release
October 18, 2022
Contact:
Michael S. Garrity, Director of Communications
michael.s.garrity@doj.nh.gov | (603) 931-9375
Myles B. Matteson, Deputy General Counsel
Attorney General's Office Election Law Unit
Myles.B.Matteson@doj.nh.gov | (603) 271-1119
Concord, NH – Political advertising and political signs are one of the treasured traditions of New Hampshire elections. They are also a physical expression of people's First Amendment right of free speech. With the General Election upcoming on November 8, 2022, Attorney General John M. Formella is releasing the following information regarding political advertising and political signs to assist the public in understanding the election laws related to political advertising and political signs:
Removing, defacing, or destroy political advertising without consent is a crime, and individuals also may be subject to a civil penalty of up to $1,000. See RSA 664:17 and 664:21.
Political advertising may not be placed on public property but may be placed in a state right-of-way if the private property owner gives permission. Private property owners may remove signs on their property, even if they are in a state right-of-way. In addition to owners of the property, persons authorized by the owner of the property, or a law enforcement officer may remove advertising placed without permission. Political advertising on any public property may be removed by state, city, or town maintenance or law enforcement personnel. See RSA 664:17.
Political communications and political signs— "express advocacy" communications—are required to have information identifying the person or entity responsible for the advertising, known as "paid-for" disclaimers, under New Hampshire law. New Hampshire RSA 664:14 requires that all political advertising must be signed with the name and physical or mailing address of a person responsible for the advertising.
The Attorney General's Office welcomes information from the public regarding political advertising they find concerning due to lack of paid-for disclaimers. Please provide copies of the communications and the dates when received to our email address: electionlaw@doj.nh.gov.
New Hampshire Department of Justice
33 Capitol Street | Concord, NH | 03301
Telephone: 603-271-3658