Here’s everything you need to know about absentee ballot voting in New Hampshire.
What is absentee voting?
Absentee voting allows eligible New Hampshire voters to cast a ballot without going to their polling place on Election Day.
Does New Hampshire allow no-excuse absentee voting?
No. New Hampshire requires voters to have a qualifying reason to vote absentee.
You may qualify if you:
- Will be out of town on Election Day
- Cannot vote in person because of a religious commitment
- Have a disability or illness that prevents you from voting in person
- You are the victim of domestic violence and have an active protective order
- Have an employment obligation that prevents you from getting to the polls
- Are caring for children or an infirm adult, whether paid or unpaid
- Are confined in a penal institution for a misdemeanor or while awaiting trial
- The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning
How do I register to vote absentee?
If you aren’t already registered and qualify to register absentee, request an absentee voter registration affidavit and voter registration form from your town or city clerk.
You will need to complete and return the forms, along with documentation proving your voter qualifications. The absentee voter registration affidavit must also be witnessed.
When is the deadline to request an absentee ballot?
New Hampshire does not have a specific deadline for requesting an absentee ballot. However, waiting until the last minute could leave you without enough time to receive and return your ballot.
When is the deadline to mail my absentee ballot?
There is no specific deadline for putting your ballot in the mail, but your completed absentee ballot must be received by your town or city clerk by noon on Election Day to be counted.
Because the deadline is based on when the ballot arrives, not when it’s postmarked, voters returning ballots by mail should allow enough time for delivery.
Note: You can also choose to hand deliver absentee ballots to clerks by 5 p.m. on Election Day.
When are absentee ballots available?
Absentee ballots generally become available six months before an election.
Do new voting laws affect absentee voting?
Yes. New requirements that took effect Sept. 30, 2025, changed what some people must provide when registering to vote absentee.
Absentee registrants must provide proof of US citizenship and age in addition to proof of identity and New Hampshire domicile.
There is an exception for some people who have previously registered in New Hampshire. If election officials can confirm through the state’s voter registration database or other official records that an applicant was previously registered in the state, the applicant must prove identity and domicile but does not have to provide additional proof of age or citizenship.
Absentee ballot applications must include a copy of your photo ID or be notarized. If you submit your application in person, you can show your photo ID to the clerk instead.
Learn more about New Hampshire’s voter registration requirements.
When will my absentee voter registration be approved?
Your local supervisors of the checklist must review and approve your registration.
They meet six to 13 days before an election to update the voter checklist. If your absentee registration materials arrive before that meeting, your application can be reviewed then.
If your materials arrive after that meeting but before the absentee registration deadline, your application can be reviewed on Election Day.
You are officially registered once the supervisors approve your application.
You can use the state’s Voter Information Lookup to check your registration, find your clerk’s contact information, see your party registration, and check the status of an absentee ballot request.
How do I vote by mail in New Hampshire?
If you qualify to vote absentee, request an absentee ballot from your town or city clerk.
Once you receive it, follow the instructions carefully, complete your ballot and return it to your clerk. Your ballot must be received by noon on Election Day to be counted if voting by mail.
Do I need an ID to vote absentee in New Hampshire?
Yes, New Hampshire requires voters requesting an absentee ballot to provide proof of identity with their absentee ballot application.
See the state’s absentee voting requirements.
What if I can’t find my ID or vital records?
The state provides resources to help voters obtain documents needed to prove their voting qualifications.
Find help getting the documents you need.
What if I’m in the military or living overseas?
You can vote under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act, or UOCAVA.
Find information for military and overseas voters.
What if I have a disability?
New Hampshire provides additional information and resources for voters with disabilities, including accessible voting options.
