New Hampshire

What You Need to Know to Vote in November

Election Day is on November 6. Polling place hours vary by location. They generally are open between 6:00 and 8:00 a.m. and close between 6:00 and 8:00 p.m., but check with your town clerk for exact hours.

What ID You Need to Vote
 
New Hampshire requires all voters to submit photo ID at the polls or sign an affidavit affirming their identity. Voters lacking ID can still vote a regular ballot if they sign the affidavit. The following IDs will be accepted during the 2012 election cycle:
  • A driver's license from New Hampshire or any other state, regardless of expiration date;
  • A photo ID card issued by the New Hampshire director of motor vehicles;
  • A U.S. armed services photo ID card;
  • A U.S. passport, regardless of expiration date;
  • Any other valid photo ID issued by federal, state, county or municipal government; or
  • A valid student ID card.

Voting by Absentee Ballot

Registered voters can cast an absentee ballot if they will be absent from the town of their voting domicile on Election Day or are unable to vote in person due to a disability, religious observance, or employment commitment. Completed ballot must be received in person by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, November 5 or by mail by 5:00 p.m. on Election Day.

New Legislation Affecting New Hampshire's Voting Laws

The Department of Justice must approve the new law before it can take effect.

The legislature passed bills that would require voters to show an ID to cast a ballot and also require that anyone who registers to vote in New Hampshire must follow the laws that apply to all residents of New Hampshire, including applying for a New Hampshire drivers license and registering their motor vehicle within 60 days. Governor John Lynch originally vetoed both bills but the legislature was able to override those vetoes.

For this year, the voter ID bill will require voters to show one of the following IDs to cast a ballot: a driver's license, a New Hampshire non-driver ID card, military ID, U.S. passport, a valid student ID card, or any other valid photo identification issued by federal, state, county, or municipal government. Voters that do not present an acceptable photo ID can fill out a voter affidavit and then cast a ballot.

Beginning in September 2013, student IDs and the category of "other" IDs issued by federal, state, county, or municipal governments will no longer be accepted. All IDs will have to either be valid or, if expired, list an expiration date within the last five years. Voters will be required to announce their name and address, for election clerks to record out-of-state drivers' licenses on the checklist, and to photograph those without identification to be attached to affidavits swearing to their domicile. Those with religious objections to being photographed will be exempted from having their picture taken.

New Hampshire will provide free non-driver ID's to those that do not have acceptable ID to vote. 

FELN Guides and Other Resources

Recent News

New Hampshire Elections Website

Promotion Image: