Here are answers to some of the most common questions about registering to vote in New Hampshire, finding your polling place, absentee voting, voter ID, and casting your ballot in 2026.
1. Who can register to vote in New Hampshire?
You can register to vote in New Hampshire if you are:
- A US citizen
- At least 18 years old on Election Day
- A resident of the New Hampshire town or city ward where you are registering
There is no minimum amount of time you must live in New Hampshire before registering to vote.
See New Hampshire’s voter registration requirements
2. How old do I have to be to vote in New Hampshire?
You must be at least 18 years old on Election Day.
3. How do I check my voter registration status?
You can use this handy tool to check whether you’re registered. You can also use the tool to find your town or city clerk, confirm your party registration, and track the status of an absentee ballot.
4. How do I register to vote in New Hampshire?
You can register at your town or city clerk’s office before the registration deadline, at a scheduled meeting of your local supervisors of the checklist, or at your polling place on Election Day.
Learn how to register to vote.
5. What documents do I need to register to vote?
When registering, you’ll need to prove your:
- Identity, such as with a driver’s license, government-issued photo ID, or passport
- Age, such as with a driver’s license, government-issued photo ID, passport, or birth certificate
- US citizenship, such as with a US birth certificate, US passport, or naturalization papers
- New Hampshire domicile, or primary residence, using qualifying documentation showing where you live
If you don’t have documents proving your US citizenship, you may be able to sign a qualified voter affidavit attesting that you are a US citizen. That affidavit option does not apply to proving your identity, age, or residence.
See acceptable voter registration documents.
6. What if I don’t have the documents I need?
The New Hampshire Secretary of State has a list of resources for obtaining documents that can be used to establish your voting qualifications.
Find help getting voter registration documents.
7. How do I update my voter registration?
If you move to a new town or city ward, change your name or need to update other information on your voter registration, contact your local town or city clerk.
Find your voter information and local clerk.
8. When is the deadline to register to vote?
The deadline for registering before Election Day varies by community. Town and city clerks generally accept registrations until six to 13 days before an election, when supervisors of the checklist meet to finalize the voter checklist.
But missing that deadline does not mean you’ve missed your chance to vote. New Hampshire allows Election Day registration, so eligible voters can register at their polling place and vote the same day.
Learn about Election Day registration.
9. How long do I have to live in New Hampshire before I can vote?
There is no minimum residency period.
If you establish New Hampshire as your primary residence, and otherwise meet the requirements to vote, you can register without having lived in the state for a specific number of days or months.
10. Where do I vote?
Use the Secretary of State’s polling place lookup to find your voting location and polling hours.
11. How can I see my sample ballot?
The Secretary of State’s polling place lookup also allows you to view a sample ballot for your voting district.
12. Do I need a photo ID to vote in New Hampshire?
Registered New Hampshire voters are required to show identification at the polls to receive a ballot.
Acceptable forms include a driver’s license issued by any state or the federal government, a qualifying non-driver ID, a US passport or passport card, a US military ID or a free voter identification card issued by the New Hampshire DMV. A moderator or certain other election officials may also verify a voter’s identity.
See New Hampshire’s voter ID requirements
13. What is absentee voting?
An absentee ballot allows eligible voters to cast their ballots without going to their polling place on Election Day.
Unlike some states, New Hampshire does not have no-excuse absentee voting. You must qualify under one of the reasons allowed by state law.
Reasons can include being out of town on Election Day, having an illness or disability, observing a religious commitment, or having a work or caregiving obligation that prevents you from getting to the polls while they are open.
Starting this year, anyone requesting an absentee ballot must submit proof of citizenship, age, domicile, and identity.
Learn about absentee voting and request a ballot.
14. How do I vote absentee in New Hampshire?
If you qualify, complete an absentee ballot application and return it to your town or city clerk with the required proof of identity.
If you’re relying on the mail to receive and return your ballot, don’t wait until the last minute. The US Postal Service recommends mailing your completed ballot at least one week before Election Day.
15. When do polls open and close in New Hampshire?
Polling hours vary by community, so there isn’t one statewide opening time.
Use the Secretary of State’s polling place lookup to find the hours for your polling location.
Check your polling place and hours.
16. I have a disability. How can I vote?
Every polling place in New Hampshire has an accessible voting system. Voters with disabilities can use a tablet with touchscreen and audio options to mark their ballot. You could also request an absentee ballot.
17. How do I serve as a poll worker?
If you’re interested in helping your community on Election Day, contact your local town or city clerk. You must be at least 17 years old to work at the polls.
