Good morning!

Let’s talk about absentee voting in New Hampshire. Did you know that about 12% of ballots cast in the 2024 election were absentee?

With Election Day approaching on Nov, 3, we’re breaking down some of the most common questions about voting absentee, from who qualifies to how to request and return your ballot.

🗳️ First time voting? Start here.

🗳️ What’s on your ballot? Find your polling place and see a sample ballot here.

Have election questions? Send them to us!

Katy Savage

Newsletter Editor, Granite Post

What is absentee voting?

New Hampshire doesn’t have general early voting, but you may be able to vote absentee if you can’t make it to the polls on Election Day.

Here are answers to some of the questions you might have:

Do I need an excuse to vote absentee?

Yes. In New Hampshire, you must 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
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
Are confined in a penal institution for a misdemeanor or while awaiting trial
The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning

Do I have to actually tell someone why I’m voting absentee?

When you apply for an absentee ballot, you have to check a box to indicate that you qualify under one of the reasons allowed by state law.

How can I get an absentee ballot?

First, make sure you are registered to vote.

Then, you have two options.

Request a ballot by mail: You can request an application from your local clerk and return the completed application by mail.

Request a ballot in person: You can go to your local clerk’s office.

You can print out the application and fill it out ahead of time.

Find your town or city clerk.

Do I need to show ID?

Yes. Under a new law, voters must provide acceptable photo identification or have their signature on the application notarized. If you submit your application in person, you can show your ID directly to the clerk instead.

How do I complete the ballot?

Your absentee ballot comes with instructions, an affidavit envelope, and a return envelope. Follow them carefully. Here’s the full instructions for those who want to be extra prepared.

When are absentee ballots available?

Right now! Absentee ballots generally become available six months before an election.

What are the deadlines to request absentee ballots?

Deadline to request an absentee ballot in person: 5 p.m. the day before Election Day.

Deadline to request an absentee ballot by mail: Noon the day before Election Day.

Note: While these are the official deadlines, it’s best to request your absentee ballot at least two weeks before Election Day if you plan to receive and return it by mail. This allows enough time for your ballot to arrive and be mailed back.

What are the deadlines to return absentee ballots?

If you’re requesting or returning an absentee ballot in person, the deadline is 5 p.m. the day before Election Day.

If you’re mailing your ballot or having someone deliver it for you, your local clerk must receive it by 5 p.m. on Election Day.

Note: The US Postal Service recommends mailing your completed absentee ballot at least a week before Election Day to make sure it gets there in time.

What is a delivery agent? Can someone else return my absentee ballot?

In some circumstances, yes. New Hampshire law allows certain people, including family members and authorized caregivers, to return an absentee ballot on a voter’s behalf.

These individuals, known as delivery agents, must complete a required form and provide identification or have their identity verified when dropping off the ballot.

How do I know if my absentee ballot was received?

New Hampshire has an online voter information lookup where you can see when your absentee ballot application was received, when your ballot was sent, and when your completed ballot was received by your local clerk.