Everything you need to know about absentee voting

Unable to make it to the polls on election day because of unforeseen circumstances or other commitments? Not a problem! You can cast your vote with an absentee ballot. 

What is absentee voting?

Absentee voting is a way for people to cast their vote without being physically present at their polling booths. Different states have different rules for absentee voting, and accept different excuses to secure one. 

Do my circumstances allow me to vote absentee in New Hampshire? 

You can vote absentee in NH if: 

• You are out of town on election day
• You have a physical disability or illness that prevents you from voting in person
• You are observing a religious holiday 
• You have a work commitment or must take care of a child or adult the entire time polls are open
• The National Weather Service has issued a weather warning in your city/town on election day and you have safety concerns about traveling to the polling booth 
• You are in a penal institution for a conviction of a misdemeanor 
• You are awaiting trial 

Where do I get an absentee ballot from? 

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).

What is the difference between absentee voting and voting by mail?

Some states implement vote by mail across the board, meaning that elected officials would send all registered voters ballots in their mail. The voter does not have to request a ballot in that case, unlike absentee ballots, which are only available upon request. 

Do I have any deadlines as an absentee voter? 

Yes! All completed absentee ballot applications must be returned to the clerk by mail by 5 p.m. on election day, and in person by 5 p.m. before election day. 

I want to vote absentee, but am not registered to vote. 

If you want to vote absentee and are still not registered to vote, you have to request absentee registration forms from your clerk before requesting a ballot. 

I have cast my absentee ballot, but cannot drop it off. 

If you cannot drop off your absentee ballot to the clerk’s office, a delivery agent—family members, nursing home and elder care facility administrators, or a person assisting a voter with a disability—can bring it in. Their identity will be verified.

If I choose to mail my absentee ballot, where am I sending it to? 

The clerk’s office! To find more information on how to mail your ballot, click here.