I’m a college student living in another state. How do I vote this year?

If you grew up in New Hampshire, and are attending college away from home, or are an out-of-state student attending college in New Hampshire, here’s all you need to know about how to vote this year. 

I grew up in New Hampshire, and my parents live in New Hampshire, but I am attending college out of state. Do I have to vote in New Hampshire? 

You can, but don’t have to! 

If you maintain residency in New Hampshire, you can vote here either in-person, or through a mail-in ballot (check bottom of story for more on that). New Hampshire allows students to decide where to vote—you can either choose to vote where your domicile was before entering college, or register to vote in New Hampshire.

However, if you decide to opt out of voting in New Hampshire, make sure to check residency requirements in your new state before you do that. 

I go to college in New Hampshire, but my parents live out-of-state. Can I vote here? 

Totally! 

As mentioned above, New Hampshire lets students pick what they want to declare as their domicile—the permanent address in their home state, or new address in New Hampshire. 

However, as of 2019, students who choose to vote in New Hampshire automatically declare residency in New Hampshire, i.e your legal address would change to New Hampshire, and you would have to abide by other requirements for state residents such as registering your car in the state, or getting a New Hampshire driver’s license, change in tax liabilities. 

When is the registration deadline in New Hampshire? And how can I register to vote? 

If you’re not voting for the first time, go on the Secretary of State’s website to check the status of your voter registration. 

If you’re not in the system, you have to fill out a voter registration form at your local town clerk’s office. This has to be done in person. You can also register on election day at your polling place. You can read more about how to register here. 

Last day to register is election day. 

Do I need a driver’s license in New Hampshire to register to vote here? If not, what documents do I need to show to prove my residence in New Hampshire. 

No. If you’re an out-of-state student attending college in New Hampshire, you can use the following as valid proof of residency. 

• A non-driver ID showing your current New Hampshire address. 
• A document from your school showing that you live on campus housing 
• You can also use your smartphone or an electronic device to show the election official/town clerk your student electronic records website. 
• A note signed by a school official or or resident assistant 
• A rental agreement or lease.
• Car registration 
• Canceled mail addressed in your name
• Property tax bill 
• Utility bill 

I am coming home to visit my parents in New Hampshire during the fall break. Can I vote then? 

No. Unfortunately, New Hampshire does not allow early in-person voting. 

I am already registered to vote in New Hampshire, but cannot be present there physically due to classes. How do I cast my vote? 

You can send an absentee ballot. Absentee voting is a way for people to cast their vote without being physically present at the polling booths. 

To request an absentee ballot, you will have to fill out an absentee ballot application for state election, along with the appropriate affidavit form—either the one for temporary absence or disability—and return it to your local clerk (you can search for your local town or city clerk here).

Read here for more guidance on how to secure and mail an absentee ballot. 

I actually once voted in a different state. Do I have to reregister in New Hampshire as a college student? 

Yes, you have to reregister at your local clerk’s office.