Joseph Barton
Serving as: NH House Grafton County District 01
These objective, nonpartisan measures are used to show this legislator's activities at the Statehouse in 2025 and 2026. The measures are not intended to present a ranking or rating of any kind. Average is that of all state elected officials in this chamber. Gov. Ayotte is still in the process of signing and vetoing 2026 bills, so the number of prime sponsored bills that became law may increase.
Session days attended
Party unity score/partisanship
Participated in official roll call votes
Bills sponsored (as prime sponsor)
Prime sponsored bills that became law
Declined to complete our 2024 State Candidate Survey
Position on Issues
For| Read My Position
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 Education Freedom Accounts because parents—not government bureaucracies—are best positioned to decide which educational setting will meet their child’s needs. EFAs give families greater access to tutoring, private schools, approved online programs, specialized services, and other educational options that may be unavailable in their assigned district. They are especially important for students who are struggling, being bullied, have disabilities, or need a different academic environment. The program must include strong eligibility rules, financial audits, transparent reporting, and penalties for misuse so that public funds are spent only on legitimate educational expenses. Properly administered, EFAs expand opportunity, increase accountability, and ensure that education funding serves the student rather than protecting a system that may not be working for that child."I support the 2nd amendment right to bear arms for law abiding citizens. I also support gun safety legislation that protects victims of domestic violence, that keeps guns out of schools, and ensures that violent felons and people with significant mental health issues and threaten to harm themselves or others do not have ready access to firearms."For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026
Should New Hampshire ban abortions during the first trimester (e.g. after 6 weeks gestation)?
"I believe human life deserves protection and that abortion should never be treated as a routine form of birth control. In cases involving consensual sexual activity, abstinence is the only certain way to prevent an unwanted pregnancy, and personal responsibility must remain part of this discussion. At the same time, the law must recognize legitimate medical emergencies and include clear exceptions when a pregnancy threatens the life or serious physical health of the mother, is ectopic or otherwise nonviable, or involves a fatal fetal condition, while ensuring physicians can provide necessary care without fear of prosecution. My position is to protect unborn life, support mothers facing difficult pregnancies, expand adoption and prenatal resources, and enact laws that are compassionate, medically workable, and respectful of both life and individual circumstances."For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026
Should New Hampshire ban abortions during the second trimester (e.g. after 15 weeks gestation)?
"I believe human life deserves protection and that abortion should never be treated as a routine form of birth control. In cases involving consensual sexual activity, abstinence is the only certain way to prevent an unwanted pregnancy, and personal responsibility must remain part of this discussion. At the same time, the law must recognize legitimate medical emergencies and include clear exceptions when a pregnancy threatens the life or serious physical health of the mother, is ectopic or otherwise nonviable, or involves a fatal fetal condition, while ensuring physicians can provide necessary care without fear of prosecution. My position is to protect unborn life, support mothers facing difficult pregnancies, expand adoption and prenatal resources, and enact laws that are compassionate, medically workable, and respectful of both life and individual circumstances."Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026
Should NH add an income tax on earned income?
"I oppose a broad-based income tax because New Hampshire should not punish people for working, earning, and building a better life. An income tax would create a permanent new tax bureaucracy, give government greater access to residents’ personal finances, and inevitably invite higher rates and expanded spending in the future. Supporters may promise property-tax relief, but without firm spending controls, an income tax is far more likely to become an additional burden than a true replacement for existing taxes. New Hampshire’s lack of a broad-based income tax is a major competitive advantage that attracts families, workers, retirees, entrepreneurs, and employers. The answer to high property taxes is not another major tax; it is controlling spending, reducing unfunded mandates, cutting administrative waste, and demanding measurable results from government. I will vote against any broad-based or backdoor income tax and will fight to protect the New Hampshire Advantage.Against| Read My Position
Other, 2024
Barton signed the Coalition of New Hampshire Taxpayers 2024 pledge, which states, "I, the above signatory, pledge that if I am elected to any statewide office, I will oppose all efforts to impose a sales, income, or other broadbased tax on the taxpayers of the State of New Hampshire."
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026
Should New Hampshire lower business taxes?
"I support reducing New Hampshire’s business taxes because lower rates encourage employers to invest, expand, hire, and raise wages here rather than in competing states. Businesses do not pay taxes in isolation—the cost is ultimately borne by workers, customers, and families through fewer jobs, lower wages, and higher prices. A responsible business-tax reduction, paired with disciplined state spending, will strengthen the New Hampshire Advantage, help small businesses compete, attract new employers, and broaden our economy. I will support tax policies that reward growth and job creation while ensuring government lives within its means."No Response
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Should New Hampshire add a tax on capital gains?
Against| Read My Position
Voting Record, 2024
Rep. Barton voted against HB 106, which would have established a commission to determine the financial cost of climate damage to New Hampshire and methods of recouping such costs. Rep. Barton also voted in favor of HCR 1, a resolution that calls for policymakers to fully consider all relevant information and factors pertaining to climate change as climate policy is developed. That resolution specifically called out "climate alarmism."
No Response
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Do you support giving voters who register without ID on Election Day a ballot that only counts if they return identifying documents to the state before a deadline?
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026
Should the state do more to encourage municipalities to remove zoning barriers to housing development?
"I support reasonable local zoning reforms that allow New Hampshire communities to build more housing while preserving legitimate local control and neighborhood character. Excessive minimum lot sizes, rigid single-family-only zoning, unnecessary parking mandates, restrictions on duplexes and multifamily housing, burdensome special-exception procedures, density limits, lengthy permitting delays, and unreasonable barriers to accessory dwelling units can make otherwise practical housing projects impossible or unaffordable. New Hampshire should encourage municipalities to permit a broader range of housing by right where adequate roads, water, sewer, and public safety services exist, while still allowing communities to enforce objective standards for safety, infrastructure, and responsible development. The goal is not uncontrolled growth or eliminating zoning; it is removing artificial barriers that drive up housing costs, discourage private investment, and prevent working families, seniors, and young people from finding homes in the communities where they live and work."I support reducing New Hampshire’s business taxes because lower rates encourage employers to invest, expand, hire, and raise wages here rather than in competing states. Businesses do not pay taxes in isolation—the cost is ultimately borne by workers, customers, and families through fewer jobs, lower wages, and higher prices. A responsible business-tax reduction, paired with disciplined state spending, will strengthen the New Hampshire Advantage, help small businesses compete, attract new employers, and broaden our economy. I will support tax policies that reward growth and job creation while ensuring government lives within its means."For| Read My Position
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?
"I support the recent expansion of net metering and favor responsibly expanding it further so homeowners, businesses, municipalities, and school districts can generate more of their own electricity and receive fair credit for the excess power they return to the grid. Net metering promotes energy choice, private investment, local generation, and greater resilience, but compensation must reflect the actual value of the electricity provided and should not force utilities to purchase power at inflated rates or shift grid-maintenance costs onto customers who do not participate. A balanced policy should fairly compensate producers, protect utilities and nonparticipating ratepayers from unreasonable costs, and encourage the continued growth of distributed energy without creating hidden subsidies or increasing electric rates."Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026
Should New Hampshire guarantee the right to access abortion before 24 weeks?
"I believe human life deserves protection and that abortion should never be treated as a routine form of birth control. In cases involving consensual sexual activity, abstinence is the only certain way to prevent an unwanted pregnancy, and personal responsibility must remain part of this discussion. At the same time, the law must recognize legitimate medical emergencies and include clear exceptions when a pregnancy threatens the life or serious physical health of the mother, is ectopic or otherwise nonviable, or involves a fatal fetal condition, while ensuring physicians can provide necessary care without fear of prosecution. My position is to protect unborn life, support mothers facing difficult pregnancies, expand adoption and prenatal resources, and enact laws that are compassionate, medically workable, and respectful of both life and individual circumstances."No Response
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Should the state increase funding for child care providers?
Other| Read My Position
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?
"I support a balanced school-funding model in which local districts pay approximately half of the cost of public education and the state pays the other half, or at minimum fully meets its constitutional and legal obligations. Local communities should retain a meaningful financial stake in their schools, but a child’s educational opportunity should not depend on whether that child lives in a property-rich or property-poor town. State funding must therefore be distributed fairly to reduce extreme disparities among districts while preserving local control and accountability. Any increase in state support must also come with stronger financial oversight, transparent reporting, limits on administrative growth, and clear restrictions preventing education funds from being diverted to wasteful or unnecessary spending. Taxpayers deserve both equitable school funding and proof that every education dollar is producing real value for students."Undecided| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026
Should New Hampshire legalize the recreational use of marijuana by allowing home-growing and private use without sales?
"I support legalizing the regulated recreational use of marijuana for adults in New Hampshire. Cannabis is not harmless, but its risks are generally more manageable than those associated with alcohol, and continuing prohibition makes little sense when Maine, Massachusetts, and Vermont already permit adult recreational use. A carefully regulated and competitively priced legal market would draw consumers away from illegal dealers, create enforceable standards for potency, labeling, age restrictions, and product testing, and reduce the risk of contaminated or adulterated products entering the market. Legalization should be structured so taxes and regulatory costs do not become so excessive that they preserve the black market. I remain undecided on whether individuals should be permitted to grow marijuana at home for private, noncommercial use, and I would evaluate that issue separately based on public safety, enforceability, and personal-liberty concerns."For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026
Should New Hampshire legalize the recreational use of marijuana by licensing growers and private retail locations?
"I support legalizing the regulated recreational use of marijuana for adults in New Hampshire. Cannabis is not harmless, but its risks are generally more manageable than those associated with alcohol, and continuing prohibition makes little sense when Maine, Massachusetts, and Vermont already permit adult recreational use. A carefully regulated and competitively priced legal market would draw consumers away from illegal dealers, create enforceable standards for potency, labeling, age restrictions, and product testing, and reduce the risk of contaminated or adulterated products entering the market. Legalization should be structured so taxes and regulatory costs do not become so excessive that they preserve the black market. I remain undecided on whether individuals should be permitted to grow marijuana at home for private, noncommercial use, and I would evaluate that issue separately based on public safety, enforceability, and personal-liberty concerns."For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026
Should New Hampshire legalize the recreational use of marijuana by establishing state-run cannabis stores?
"I support legalizing the regulated recreational use of marijuana for adults in New Hampshire. Cannabis is not harmless, but its risks are generally more manageable than those associated with alcohol, and continuing prohibition makes little sense when Maine, Massachusetts, and Vermont already permit adult recreational use. A carefully regulated and competitively priced legal market would draw consumers away from illegal dealers, create enforceable standards for potency, labeling, age restrictions, and product testing, and reduce the risk of contaminated or adulterated products entering the market. Legalization should be structured so taxes and regulatory costs do not become so excessive that they preserve the black market. I remain undecided on whether individuals should be permitted to grow marijuana at home for private, noncommercial use, and I would evaluate that issue separately based on public safety, enforceability, and personal-liberty concerns."No Response
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Should New Hampshire raise the minimum wage?
No Response
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Should New Hampshire add legal protections for residents of other states who travel here for health care related to abortion or gender transition?
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026
Should New Hampshire repeal the ban on abortion after 24 weeks gestation?
"I believe human life deserves protection and that abortion should never be treated as a routine form of birth control. In cases involving consensual sexual activity, abstinence is the only certain way to prevent an unwanted pregnancy, and personal responsibility must remain part of this discussion. At the same time, the law must recognize legitimate medical emergencies and include clear exceptions when a pregnancy threatens the life or serious physical health of the mother, is ectopic or otherwise nonviable, or involves a fatal fetal condition, while ensuring physicians can provide necessary care without fear of prosecution. My position is to protect unborn life, support mothers facing difficult pregnancies, expand adoption and prenatal resources, and enact laws that are compassionate, medically workable, and respectful of both life and individual circumstances."Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026
Should NH pass stricter gun control laws?
"I oppose stricter gun laws in New Hampshire because law-abiding citizens should not lose their constitutional rights because criminals refuse to follow the laws already on the books. New Hampshire has a strong tradition of responsible firearm ownership, self-defense, hunting, and respect for individual liberty, and new restrictions would primarily burden responsible citizens rather than violent offenders. The state should focus on enforcing existing laws, prosecuting armed criminals, improving access to mental-health treatment, and addressing threats before violence occurs—not imposing new bans, registration schemes, waiting periods, or other barriers on people who have done nothing wrong. I will defend both the Second Amendment and Part I, Article 2-a of the New Hampshire Constitution and oppose measures that undermine the right to keep and bear arms."
