Former New Hampshire lawmaker loses right to vote after moving out of his district

A former New Hampshire lawmaker avoided prison but lost his right to vote after moving from his district. He held his seat for a year and was charged with crimes related to his change of address.

NORTH HAVERHILL, NH — A former New Hampshire lawmaker avoided prison but lost his right to vote after moving from his district. He held his seat for a year and was charged with felonies related to his change of address.

Troy Merner, 62, a Republican, pleaded guilty Wednesday to lesser charges: voting unlawfully and theft by deception.

He had won a fourth term representing Lancaster in the House of Representatives in 2022, around the same time he moved to the community of Carroll. He stepped down in September 2023 after the the attorney general’s office investigated a complaint that he had continued to vote in Lancaster after moving.

A judge accepted Merner’s plea deal. He was accused of voting in Lancaster and receiving excessive mileage reimbursements by claiming to live there. A call to Merner’s attorney was not returned.

New Hampshire law requires legislators to live in the district they represent. Legislators are paid just $100 a year, but are reimbursed for their travel to and from Concord, the state capital.

Merner was given a 12-month prison sentence, suspended for two years for good behavior, and acknowledged that his right to vote in New Hampshire will be terminated unless the state Supreme Court later restores it.

Merner agreed not to seek any elected or appointed public office during the suspension period. He also agreed to pay a $1,100 fine.