Ellin M. Leonard

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026

Do you support the “Education Freedom Account” program, which gives students access to the per-pupil share of state school funding to spend on private school or home school expenses?

"I support ensuring that education funding is directed to the families who need it most. As currently designed, the Freedom Account program lacks meaningful guardrails. I believe it should have a firm cap and significantly revised eligibility criteria. Public dollars should strengthen our public schools, not be diverted from them to subsidize tuition for families whose children already attend private or religious schools. Responsible reform would keep this program focused on its intended purpose while protecting the classrooms that serve the vast majority of our students."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026

Should New Hampshire’s anti-discrimination law allow segregation based on biological sex in some settings, such as bathrooms and locker rooms?

"I believe there's a practical solution that respects everyone's dignity and privacy. By ensuring our schools and public facilities have fully private, secure restroom and locker room options, we can make sure every person feels safe and comfortable. This approach focuses on common-sense facility design and puts the well-being of all individuals first."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026

Should New Hampshire ban abortions during the first trimester (e.g. after 6 weeks gestation)?

"Decisions about a woman's pregnancy are deeply personal and should be made by her, in consultation with her doctor. There are circumstances in which a mother's health is at risk or a pregnancy is not viable, and these are deeply serious. Government should not be inserting itself into these private medical decisions."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026

Should New Hampshire ban abortions during the second trimester (e.g. after 15 weeks gestation)?

"Decisions about a woman's pregnancy are deeply personal and should be made by her, in consultation with her doctor. There are circumstances in which a mother's health is at risk or a pregnancy is not viable, and these are deeply serious. Government should not be inserting itself into these private medical decisions."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026

Should NH add an income tax on earned income?

"I do not support a broad-based income tax. Despite claims to the contrary, the majority of New Hampshire Democrats share that position, and I am committed to finding responsible ways to fund our priorities without imposing one on Granite State families."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026

Should New Hampshire lower business taxes?

"I oppose the continued reduction of business taxes on large corporations, particularly out-of-state companies, while supporting appropriate relief for our small businesses. Business taxes are a vital source of revenue for state government, and when it erodes, the burden shifts to local communities. For roughly fifteen years, the state has been downshifting costs onto our towns and property taxpayers, and we need a more sustainable and balanced approach."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026

Should the state do more to encourage municipalities to remove zoning barriers to housing development?

"I'm open to considering this, but I'd want to see the full picture before taking a position. We need clear information on infrastructure needs and costs, and a credible plan for how it would be funded. New Hampshire does need additional housing, and I believe our towns should have the flexibility to decide what works best for their communities."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026

Should New Hampshire do more to encourage the development of nuclear power, including small modular reactors (SMR), in the state?

"No, I absolutely do not support this. I believe New Hampshire's energy future lies in renewables, and we should be actively encouraging offshore wind and expanding solar power in a big way. I have serious concerns about nuclear power, including the unresolved question of where the waste would be stored."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026

Do you support legislation to expand the net energy metering system capacity cap from 1 MW to 5 MW for all residential and commercial customers in New Hampshire?

"Yes, I support expanding the net metering capacity caps. New Hampshire already has some of the highest electric rates in the country, and net metering helps ease that burden by encouraging households and businesses to adopt solar energy. It's a practical step that benefits ordinary people, supports local businesses, and moves us toward a cleaner, more affordable energy future."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026

Should New Hampshire restore funding for the Office of the Child Advocate?

"Yes. Protecting the well-being of New Hampshire's children is one of government's most fundamental responsibilities. I support fully funding the agency that safeguards our children and provides oversight of the facilities that serve our children and teens."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026

Should New Hampshire guarantee the right to access abortion before 24 weeks?

"I support protecting access to abortion before 24 weeks and oppose earlier abortion bans. Decisions about a woman's pregnancy are deeply personal and should be made by her, in consultation with her doctor. There are circumstances in which a mother's health is at risk or a pregnancy is not viable, and these are deeply serious. Government should not be inserting itself into these private medical decisions."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026

Should New Hampshire reinstate the interest and dividends tax?

"Yes, I support this, but only with important protections for lower-income residents. Any such tax should be structured so that it applies only to high-income earners, ensuring that working families and those with modest means are not burdened."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026

Do you support New Hampshire’s current system of public school funding, with about two-thirds of total funding coming from local property taxes?

"Right now, New Hampshire's reliance on local property taxes means school funding is driven largely by property wealth, not by student need or a community's ability to pay. As a result, children in our wealthiest towns often have access to better educational resources than children elsewhere. Every student in our state deserves a strong education regardless of their zip code, and I support a more equitable approach to how we fund our schools."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026

Should New Hampshire legalize the recreational use of marijuana by allowing home-growing and private use without sales?

"Granite Staters are already purchasing cannabis in neighboring states, which means New Hampshire is losing out on revenue that could be used here at home. By allowing licensed growers and regulated retail locations, we can ensure safer, tested products for consumers while generating much-needed revenue for our state."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026

Should New Hampshire legalize the recreational use of marijuana by licensing growers and private retail locations?

"Granite Staters are already purchasing cannabis in neighboring states, which means New Hampshire is losing out on revenue that could be used here at home. By allowing licensed growers and regulated retail locations, we can ensure safer, tested products for consumers while generating much-needed revenue for our state."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026

Should New Hampshire legalize the recreational use of marijuana by establishing state-run cannabis stores?

"Granite Staters are already purchasing cannabis in neighboring states, which means New Hampshire is losing out on revenue that could be used here at home. By allowing licensed growers and regulated retail locations, we can ensure safer, tested products for consumers while generating much-needed revenue for our state."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026

Should New Hampshire require new voters to provide proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a birth certificate or passport, when registering to vote?

"Only U.S. citizens should vote in our elections, and I am committed to protecting the integrity of our elections. But eligible citizens should not lose their right to vote simply because they don't have a passport or birth certificate readily available. We can safeguard our elections without creating unnecessary barriers for lawful voters."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026

Should New Hampshire allow at least 10% of students in each school district to enroll in a different public school, regardless of where they live?

"I do not believe that a student's ability to enroll in a different public school should be determined by a percentage-based cap. Transfers should be reserved for students with a compelling, well-documented reason, such as bullying or safety concerns at their current school. I am also concerned that an open-transfer policy could undermine schools in less affluent communities by drawing away students and the resources that follow them."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026

Should New Hampshire repeal the ban on abortion after 24 weeks gestation?

"Decisions about a woman's pregnancy are deeply personal and should be made by her, in consultation with her doctor. There are circumstances in which a mother's health is at risk or a pregnancy is not viable, and these are deeply serious. Government should not be inserting itself into these private medical decisions."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026

Should state law cap how much local school districts can increase their budget each year?

"No. Decisions about school budgets are best made locally, by the communities that fund and depend on their schools. The state should not be mandating how a town sets its budget, and I oppose this as a further encroachment on local control."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026

Should NH pass stricter gun control laws?

"Yes. I grew up in a home with firearms, and hunting was part of the culture where I lived. I have no issue with hunting or with responsible gun ownership. But the world has changed significantly, and so have the weapons available today, many of which are military-grade. We require a test to drive a car, and it is reasonable to expect sensible safety measures for firearms as well. I support common-sense controls."