- Q - Why is this office an elected position rather than an appointed position?
- A - This is a Constitutional Office. The New Hampshire Constitution was established October 31, 1783 Effective June 2, 1784 as Subsequently Amended and in Force January 2009.
The county treasurers, registers of probate, county attorneys, sheriffs and registers of deeds, shall be elected by the inhabitants of the several
towns, in the several counties in the state, according to the method now practiced, and the laws of the state, Provided nevertheless the legislature
shall have authority to alter the manner of certifying the votes, and the mode of electing those officers; but not so as to deprive the people of the
right they now have of electing them. June 2, 1784
Amended 1792 twice adding proviso that the legislature could alter the manner of certifying the votes and mode of electing the officers; deleting
deleting oath and bond of county treasurer and transferring oath and bond of register of deeds to next article.
Amended 1877 adding registers of probate, county solicitors and sheriffs to those to be elected.
Amended 1958 changing county solicitor to county attorney.
Article 72. Counties May Be Divided into Districts for Registering Deeds.
And the Legislature, on the application of the major part part of the inhabitants of any county, shall have authority to divide the same into two
districts for registering deeds, if to them it shall appear necessary; each district to elect a Register of Deeds: And before they enter upon the
business of their offices, shall be respectfully sworn faithfully to discharge the duties thereof, and shall severally give bond, with sufficient sureties,
in a reasonable sum, for the use of the county for the punctual performance of their respective trusts.
Amended 1792 providing for counties being divided into districts for registering deeds and electing registers.
- Q - Why are you called Register rather than Registrar?
- A - See above. The Secretary of State follows the Constitution. The ballot reads Register of Deeds. We
follow this reasoning. New Hampshire respects history. - Q - Why won't you accept personal checks?
- A - We will not risk gambling with tax-payer funds. Often, transfer tax can be 10s of thousands of dollars.
The county must remit to the state by the 10th of every month. The county would be responsible for
noncollectable funds.