We are less than thirty days to the very important election to be held on November 8th. We are getting down to the wire and we want to make sure you are able to make your voting plans regardless of whether you will be voting in person that day or by absentee ballot.
Even though we have same-day voter registration in New Hampshire, it is always a good practice to make sure you are registered to vote. This is especially true since a significant number of voters were purged from the voting lists as part of the 10-year clean-up of voter rolls. You can check with your city and town clerk to make sure your name is still on the list of registered voters. Or you can use this great link to check out your information. https://app.sos.nh.gov/voterinformation
It is important for you to have a voice in the upcoming election even if you may not be able to vote in person on Election Day.
Absentee Voting You can vote by absentee ballot in New Hampshire for any of the following reasons: being absent from the voter’s city or town, a religious observance, disability or illness, and employment commitments (including caregiving) during the entire time the polls are open.
You will need to request an absentee ballot by filling out an application which can be obtained either in person from your city and town clerk or by filling out and mailing this form: https://www.sos.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt561/files/inline-documents/sonh/absentee-ballot-application-state-election_0.pdf
To locate the name of your clerk and mailing address, click the following link: https://app.sos.nh.gov/clerkinformation
If you are making the request by mail for the absentee ballot, do mail the request in plenty of time for you to receive the ballot. If you have mailed your request for the absentee ballot, you can check on the status of your request here, https://app.sos.nh.gov/viphome.
The form is returned to your city or town clerk and then you will be mailed the ballot with directions how to complete the application and mail it back. A completed absentee ballot must be received by the clerk no later than 5pm on election day.
Remember, if you are able you can go into the town or city clerk’s office, request the absentee ballot right there in the office, vote, and return the ballot at the same time.
We encourage everyone to exercise their right to vote. Now, more than ever, it is extremely important that you make your voice heard through your vote.
Prepared by:
Attorney Terri Donovan
AFT-NH Director of Field Services and Collective Bargaining