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CONCORD, NH — The New Hampshire Secretary of State's Office is in the process of shipping absentee ballots to cities and towns so voters can request and file ballots either in person or by mail before the Nov. 3 General Election.
After the results from the last state recount were finalized Sept. 16, ballots were set and printed Saturday. All uniformed and overseas voters who requested to vote by absentee ballot were sent their ballots this week, said Bill Gardner, the secretary of state.
Ballots began being shipped via three truckloads to city and town clerks Monday with delivery to clerks expected to be finalized by Friday.
State officials changed the process for registering and voting due to the COVID-19 pandemic and expanded the definition of the term "physical disability" to allow voters who may be ill with COVID-19 or who fear catching the virus to vote by absentee ballot.
Absentee ballot requests must be approved by local supervisors of the checklist — who meet six to 13 days before the general election. Supervisors may also meet before those deadlines to approve absentee ballots during the next few weeks.
To request an absentee ballot, download the application on the secretary of state's website here.
Family members, long-term care facilities, and others may assist voters with disabilities to vote by signing the absentee ballot affidavit — but they are limited to delivering ballots to only four voters.
In order to count, all absentee ballots must be received by city and town clerks, either in person or by mail, by 5 p.m. on Nov. 3. State officials recommend mailing ballots at least two weeks before the election.
Voters who are not registered to vote but who wish to vote in New Hampshire can request an absentee voter registration packet and register remotely. The packet includes a voter registration form and an absentee registration affidavit.
Voters must also include the same information by mail as they would in person to register to vote. Proof of identity and domicile documents required include: A photocopy of a current or valid New Hampshire driver's license, an armed services identification, a photo identification issued by the United States government that shows a name or address, or a photocopy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other documentation that shows the voter's name and address, like a U.S. passport, state ID card, or a valid student ID card from a college, university, career school, or public or private high school located in New Hampshire.
A witness must also fill out and sign the affidavit confirming the person who is registering to vote has proven their identity.
Voters with out-of-state identification may vote in New Hampshire but must acquire a New Hampshire driver's license or register their vehicle in New Hampshire within 60 days of voting. Voters, like out-of-state college students, who do not want to acquire a state license, register their vehicle, or establish residency in New Hampshire, should file for an absentee ballot from their out-of-state residence or wherever they have their driver's license registered.
Voting In NH During The COVID-19 State Of Emergency
Here are links with more information from the secretary of state's office.
For more information, contact the secretary of state's office at 603-271-3242 or email elections@sos.nh.gov.
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