Everything need to know about registering to vote in NH

Have you registered to vote yet? No worries if not, there’s still time! 

First, check your voter registration status. If you’re not in the system, you’ll need to fill out a voter registration form at your local town clerk’s office or call your town clerk and request one.

Can I register without physically going anywhere?
Yes, you can register to vote without going to the town clerk’s office if you meet one of these qualifications:

• You will be absent from the town or city on the dates/times when the supervisors of the checklist meet to receive voter registration applications. The supervisors are required to meet on a date six to 13 days before the Sept. 10 state primary and again before the Nov. 5 general election. Absence includes an employment obligation that prevents you from attending a session of the supervisors. The term “employment” includes the care of children and infirm adults, with or without compensation.
• You cannot appear in public because of observance of a religious commitment.
• You are unable to vote in person because of a physical disability.
• You are a victim of domestic violence, have an active protective order, or are participating in the attorney general’s address confidentiality program.
• You are confined to a penal institution for a misdemeanor or while awaiting trial.

Request absentee registration forms and instructions by calling your local town clerk. The registering qualifications/process is outlined here.

You’ll need to fill out the absentee voter registration affidavit, which must be witnessed, and then both the affidavit and the voter registration form have to be returned to the town clerk by mail or in person. Read all the instructions for completing and mailing the forms here. 

You should use the voter information lookup to track your request, including when the absentee ballot was sent to you, and when your clerk received your completed absentee ballot. 

How do I register to vote on Election Day?

Go to your local town clerk’s office or polling place and register to vote. Just make sure you bring documentation with you to prove you live in New Hampshire. 

What should I bring with me to register?

You should bring these documents:

• Proof of US citizenship, such as a birth certificate, a US passport, or naturalization papers
• Proof of identity and age, such as a driver’s license or government-issued photo ID
• Proof of NH residence, such as a photo ID with current NH address listed, rental agreement or utility bill listing current NH address, or a note signed by a New Hampshire school official

If you do not have proof or forgot to bring the documents, don’t worry. You can sign an affidavit attesting to any of these qualifications when you vote.

Do I need to register for each election?
No. Once you’re registered, you don’t need to register again, unless you move to another town or ward. 

When is the registration deadline?
You can still register on Election Day if you go to the local town clerk’s office. 

If you don’t want to do that, we recommend registering to vote as soon as possible. Each town is required to update the voter checklist six to 13 days prior to election. The supervisors will review the list, including absentee voter applications, at that meeting. You are registered to vote when the supervisors approve the application. If you’re not sure if you’re registered, use the voter information lookup.