Manchester
Population as of the July, 2011 census update: 109,830 [7]
Charter city
To initiate a non-binding referendum the signature requirement is 15% of the registered voters of the city, including at least 6% of the registered voters of each ward. Petition content requirements can be found in the Manchester Charter, Section 8.07. Petitions must be approved by the city clerk prior to circulation. Petitions shall be submitted to the city clerk not less than 45 days prior to the
election at which the question is to be submitted to the voters and such petitions shall be collected within 12 months of the election at which the question will appear. After certification, the board of mayor and aldermen shall order such questions placed on the ballot at any general election, whether federal, state or municipal except a primary election, but the result of any such initiative shall be non-binding, unless otherwise required by law.
'Restrictions: Petitions may not be used for questions which involve established operational expenses of the city or questions on appointed or elected officials of the city.
 Manchester Charter, Sec. 8.07
Nashua
Population as of the July, 2011 census update: 86,704 [7]
Charter city
The signature requirement is 5% of the last preceding vote cast in the city for all candidates for governor of the state; 25% if the petitioners want the option of calling a special meeting for a vote. Petition content requirements can be found in the Nashua Charter, Sec. 99 and 104. After certification, the board of aldermen or board of education (depending on the subject matter) has 20 days to pass the measure. Otherwise, if signed by 5%, the petition is submitted at next municipal election or, if signed by 25%, the board of aldermen shall call a special meeting of the voters to be held on a Tuesday fixed by it not less than 30 nor more than 45 days and shall submit the proposed measure without alteration to a vote of the qualified voters of the city at that meeting. Provided, however, that if any municipal election is otherwise to occur within 90 days, the council may at its discretion omit the special meeting and submit the measure at this election. A simple majority vote passes the measure.
Nashua Charter, Sec. 99 to 106
Concord
Population as of the July, 2011 census update: 42,733 [7]
Charter city
The Concord city charter does not contain provisions for initiative of ordinances. Charter amendments may be proposed by petition under state law, as detailed above.
Dover
Population as of the July, 2011 census update: 30,168 [7]
Charter city
The Dover city charter does not contain provisions for initiative of ordinances. Charter amendments may be proposed by petition under state law, as detailed above.
Rochester
Population as of the July, 2011 census update: 29,935 [7]
Charter city
The Rochester city charter does not contain provisions for initiative of ordinances. Charter amendments may be proposed by petition under state law, as detailed above.
Keene
Population as of the July, 2011 census update: 23,354 [7]
Charter city
The Keene city charter does not contain provisions for initiative of ordinances. Charter amendments may be proposed by petition under state law, as detailed above.
Portsmouth
Population as of the July, 2011 census update: 20,848 [7]
Charter city
Portsmouth has an initiative process to force a council vote on a proposed ordinance. The signature requirement is 10% of the number of voters who voted at the last regular municipal election prior to the submission of the petition. Petition content requirements can be found in the Portsmouth Charter, Sec. 8.1. After signature certification, a public hearing is held, after which the council must vote on the measure, either passing without alteration or denying, stating the reasons.
Portsmouth Charter, Sec. 8.1 to 8.3
Laconia
Population as of the July, 2011 census update: 15,986 [7]
Charter city
The Laconia city charter does not contain provisions for initiative of ordinances. Charter amendments may be proposed by petition under state law, as detailed above.
Claremont
Population as of the July, 2011 census update: 13,268 [7]
Charter city
The Claremont city charter does not contain provisions for initiative of ordinances. Charter amendments may be proposed by petition under state law, as detailed above.
Lebanon
Population as of the July, 2011 census update: 13,120 [7]
Charter city
The signature requirement is 10% of the votes cast in the last gubernatorial election. Prior to circulation, an application must be filed with the city clerk by at least 5 citizens who are registered voters in the city requesting that they constitute a Petitioners' Committee. Applications may be filed only between September 1 and October 31 of any year for the municipal election to be held on the second Tuesday of March of the following year. (For full application requirements, including affidavits and sample questions, see Lebanon Code, Chap. 89) The city clerk will then issue blank petitions. The Petitioners' Committee may appoint additional individuals who are registered voters of the city to circulate a petition, provided that the names of these individuals and their addresses are furnished to the City Clerk prior to their circulating a petition. All petitions must be filed not later than December 21. After certification, the council has 20 days to adopt the measure or it shall be placed on the ballot at the next municipal election. A simple majority vote passes the measure.
Note: Lebanon Charter, Sec. 419:23B and Code, Chap. 89 also permit the same process for a non-binding initiative. Petitioners should be careful to stipulate which they are seeking.
Lebanon Charter, Sec. 419:23A Lebanon Code, Chap. 89
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