Important Dates and Election Information
- Last day to request an absentee ballot: Monday, Nov. 4, noon
- Deadline to return an absentee ballot: Monday, Nov. 4 (in person); Tuesday, Nov. 5 (by mail)
- Last day to register to vote: Tuesday, Nov. 5
- Election Day: Tuesday, Nov. 5
Voting at a Glance
- Voter registration: Visit app.sos.nh.gov to check your voter registration information and find your town or city clerk’s contact information.
- Absentee voting: Available to those who can’t vote in person on Election Day because of a disability, illness, work, or other acceptable reasons.
- Early voting: New Hampshire doesn’t offer formal early in-person voting, but if you qualify for an absentee ballot, you can cast one early at your city or town clerk’s office.
- Voting at the polls: Polls are open from at least 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., though hours may vary among polling places. Bring an acceptable form of photo ID, such as your driver’s license or U.S. passport.
Recent Voting Changes in New Hampshire
- In July 2024, lawmakers passed a rule requiring more frequent updates to voter lists. Election officials must now review voter lists every 90 days for accuracy.
- The deadline for mailed absentee ballot requests is now noon the day before an election, instead of 5 p.m.
- If you register to vote for the first time on Election Day without an ID, you must mail a copy of your ID within seven days of registering. Affidavit ballots will be counted on Election Day but will be removed if the ID is not received by the deadline.
How to Register to Vote
You can register by mail, in person, or online:
- Online: New Hampshire offers online voter registration if a disability, such as blindness, prevents you from filling out a form by hand. Call your city or town clerk to request an accessible online absentee registration form and for information about local deadlines.
- By mail: Registration by mail is available if you have an approved reason for not registering in person, such as a religious observance or disability. If you qualify, call your city or town clerk to request a voter registration form. Include a copy of your driver’s license or other valid form of ID when returning your application. A witness must sign your absentee-voter registration affidavit. Check with your city or town clerk for local deadlines.
- In person: Fill out a voter registration form at your city or town clerk’s office. You’ll need to show ID proving your name, age, citizenship status, and residence, such as a driver’s license and U.S. passport. A full list of acceptable IDs is available on the secretary of state’s website.
Registering to Vote on Election Day
You can register to vote at your polling place on Election Day. You will be asked to show proof of your identity, age, citizenship status, and residence. If you do not provide your ID at the polls and it’s your first time registering, you will receive an affidavit ballot and must submit a photocopy of your ID within seven days.
Check Your Voter Registration Status
You can check your voter registration status using the state’s voter information tool.
How to Request an Absentee Ballot
You can vote absentee only for approved reasons, such as a disability or work commitment.
- Online: Only voters unable to fill out a printed form due to a disability, such as blindness, may request an accessible absentee ballot online. If you qualify, you can receive and mark the ballot electronically and return it to your city or town clerk by mail, in person, or through someone else. If someone drops it off for you, they must sign a statement on the affidavit envelope. Contact your city or town clerk for more information.
- By mail: Print an application from the secretary of state’s website, then complete and mail it to your city or town clerk’s office. You can also call your city or town clerk to request a mailed application. Absentee ballot requests must be received by noon the day before an election — Monday, Nov. 4. Apply as soon as possible to avoid delays.
- In person: Go to your city or town clerk’s office to apply for a ballot, or print an application from the secretary of state’s website and bring it with you. You can request a mail ballot until 5 p.m. the day before an election.
Returning an Absentee Ballot
Place your completed ballot in the inner envelope and sign the affidavit on the outside. If you have a disability and received assistance, the person who helped you must sign an acknowledgment that appears on the absentee-ballot application and on the affidavit. Seal the inner envelope before placing it in the outer mailing envelope. If you’re including absentee-voter registration forms and proof that you qualify, place those documents in the outer envelope before you seal it.
- By mail: Send your ballot to your city or town clerk with proper postage. It must be received by 5 p.m. on Election Day.
- In person: Hand-deliver your ballot to your city or town clerk by 5 p.m. the day before an election — Monday, Nov. 4.
On Election Day, absentee ballots will be accepted only by mail or from a delivery agent, such as an immediate family member, until 5 p.m. Your delivery agent may be asked to show ID and fill out paperwork to deliver your ballot.
Track your absentee ballot through the state’s voter information portal.
Voting in Person Before Election Day
If you qualify for an absentee ballot, you can cast an in-person absentee ballot at your city or town clerk’s office.
Voting at the Polls on Election Day
Polls will be open from at least 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 5. Extended hours vary by location, so check your polling place or contact your city or town clerk. As long as you’re in line before the polls close, you may cast a ballot.
Sample ballots are available on the secretary of state’s website.
Voter ID Requirements on Election Day
Bring an acceptable form of photo ID, such as your state driver’s license or U.S. passport, to vote on Election Day. Those without ID can sign an affidavit, have their photo taken, and proceed to vote.
Voting with a Disability
Each polling place is equipped with an accessible system and voting booth for voters with disabilities. Find more information on the secretary of state’s website.
Voters who need assistance filling in their ballot can receive help from either an election official or someone they choose, as long as that person is not an employer or union official.
You can request to have an absentee ballot and affidavit envelope delivered to your vehicle outside the polling place if you can’t enter because of a disability. Once you’ve completed the affidavit and ballot, an election official will bring them back into the polling place.
Voting from a Nursing Home or Long-Term Care Facility
Residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities qualify to vote via absentee ballot, under the physical disability or illness excuse.
