A former New Hampshire lawmaker, Troy Merner, is facing multiple charges after it was discovered that he continued to hold his seat in the House for a year despite moving out of his district. Merner, a Republican who won a fourth term representing Lancaster in 2022, had relocated to Carroll around the same time. He eventually resigned in September after an investigation by the attorney general’s office revealed that he had been voting in Lancaster even after his move.
The charges against Merner include wrongful voting, a class B felony that carries a potential prison sentence of up to seven years and a permanent loss of voting privileges. Additionally, he has been charged with three misdemeanors: theft by deception, unsworn falsification, and tampering with public records. These charges allege that Merner received excessive mileage reimbursement by falsely claiming that he still resided in Lancaster.
According to New Hampshire law, lawmakers are required to live in the district they represent. Although they are only paid $100 a year, they are reimbursed for their travel to and from Concord, the state capital. Merner’s case highlights the importance of maintaining accurate residency information and adhering to the requirements set forth by the state.
Merner, who has not yet secured legal representation, is scheduled to appear in court on December 28th. In a previous interview with the Caledonian-Record, he stated that he had moved to Carroll in November 2022, but the attorney general’s office determined that his residency in Lancaster had ended in August with the sale of his house. Despite this, Merner had initially planned to continue serving his terms as both a state representative and a member of the Lancaster Select Board. He claimed that his intention was to prioritize his constituents and fulfill his duties as their representative.
This incident raises questions about the importance of maintaining integrity within the political system and ensuring that elected officials adhere to the rules and regulations that govern their positions. It serves as a reminder that public officials should act in the best interest of the people they represent rather than pursuing personal gains.
As the 2024 campaign trail continues, it is essential for voters to remain vigilant and hold their elected officials accountable for their actions. Transparency and ethical behavior should be at the forefront of any political system, regardless of party affiliation.
