It’s not too late to vote absentee…but you have to act fast! We are grateful to our friends at Open Democracy for this great guide to voting absentee in the November 3 election:
Requesting Your Absentee Ballot
You can download an absentee ballot application from the Secretary of State’s website, sos.nh.gov/elections/absentee-
Voters requesting an absentee ballot must provide proof of their identity via ONE of the following ways:
- Mail a photocopy of their ID with the absentee ballot application, or
- Include a notarized signature on the absentee ballot application, or
- Present an ID or a notarized signature in person to the town or city clerk (or their designee) before being issued an absentee ballot.
As part of our Age Strong Voting Program, Open Democracy recruits and works with dedicated volunteer notaries across much of the state. Please don’t hesitate to contact Ursula at ursula@opendemocracy.me if you or someone you know needs a notary.
Deadlines to Request Your Ballot: Monday, November 2
- By mail: 12 PM
- In person: 5 PM
You can use the Secretary of State’s Voter Information Lookup page to track the status of your request, when your ballot is sent to you, and when the clerk has received your completed ballot.
Registering to Vote by Absentee
Those registering to vote by absentee are generally still required to provide documentary proof of U.S. citizenship under SB 218.
While a May 2026 court ruling restored the Qualified Voter Affidavit (QVA) as an option for proving citizenship when registering in person, the ruling did not address separate absentee voter registration requirements, which remain in effect.
To register by absentee, request the absentee voter registration affidavit and voter registration form from your town or city clerk. Note that the absentee voter registration affidavit must be witnessed.
You must include proof of age, citizenship, identity, and domicile. Here are some examples of documents you can use to prove each requirement:
- Age: driver’s license or non-driver ID (up to 5 years expired if under 65, or any expiration date if 65 or older), government-issued photo-ID, passport
- Citizenship*: birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers
- You may also need to include a marriage certificate or other applicable name change documents. Check with your town or city clerk to be sure.
- Identity: driver’s license, government-issued photo ID, passport/passport card, naturalization papers, Free Photo ID card for “voting purposes only” issued by NH DMV
- Domicile (where you live): government-issued photo ID with NH address, vehicle registration, government-issued check, benefit statement, or state/federal tax document
- You may also provide a lease or rental agreement, utility bill, property tax bill, or other reasonable documentation, and be required to sign an attestation form.
*If you were previously or are currently registered to vote in New Hampshire, you only have to prove identity and domicile and should not be required to prove age or citizenship.
For a full list of acceptable documents, visit the Secretary of State’s Register to Vote page.
For help obtaining vital records (like birth certificates or marriage licenses), visit the Proof of Voter Registration Qualifications page.
Returning Your Absentee Ballot: Don’t Wait!
Your completed absentee ballot must be received by your clerk by 5 PM on Election Day, Tuesday, November 3.
New Hampshire does not have an absentee ballot grace period. That means a ballot that arrives after the deadline cannot be counted, even if it was mailed before Election Day.
The USPS recommends mailing completed absentee ballots at least one week before Election Day. If you’re requesting and returning your ballot by mail, you should request it more than two weeks ahead.
Deadlines to Return Your Ballot
- In person, by the voter: Monday, November 2, by 5 PM.
- By mail: Tuesday, November 3, by 5 PM (must be received, not just postmarked).
- Through an authorized delivery agent: Tuesday, November 3, by 5 PM.
What is a delivery agent?
A delivery agent is someone legally allowed to hand-deliver your completed absentee ballot for you if you cannot return it yourself.
Under New Hampshire law, this can include certain family members (such as a spouse, parent, sibling, child, or grandchild), authorized nursing home or residential care facility staff, or someone assisting a voter who is blind or has a disability.
Delivery agents must complete a form when returning the ballot and show a government-issued photo ID or have their identity verified by the clerk. Not every friend or neighbor automatically qualifies, so be sure to check the requirements before asking someone to deliver your ballot.
Learn more about delivery agents under RSA 657:17.
Make Your Plan Today!
With new requirements and potential mail delays, the best thing you can do is start early. Requesting your ballot now gives you time to gather documents, find a notary if needed, and return your ballot with confidence.
And remember, you don’t have to navigate the process alone! If you have questions or need help understanding your options, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re happy to help ensure every eligible Granite Stater can make their voice heard this November 3!