New Hampshire residents who anticipate being unable to vote in person on Tuesday, Nov. 3, have a clear path to participation through the state’s absentee voting system. While the Granite State does not offer early voting, it does permit absentee ballots for voters who meet specific constitutional and legislative criteria.

Eligibility Requirements

Secretary of State David Scanlan emphasized that the state constitution requires a valid reason for absentee voting. “A voter can request an absentee ballot if they will be absent from their polling place on Election Day, or if a disability or illness prevents them from voting in person,” Scanlan said. The legislature has further defined what constitutes an “absence” and a “disability,” ensuring that the process remains both accessible and secure.

How to Request a Ballot

Eligible voters must submit a request for an absentee ballot no later than the day before the election. The request can be made online, by mail, or in person at the Secretary of State’s office or designated local election officials. Once approved, the ballot will be mailed to the voter, who must return it by the close of polls on Election Day.

Returning the Ballot

Absentee ballots may be returned by mail, by dropping them off at any polling place, or by delivering them to a local election office. Scanlan reminded voters that the ballot must be received by the deadline to be counted, and encouraged early mailing to avoid postal delays.

Key Dates to Remember

• Absentee ballot request deadline: Day before the election (Nov. 2)
• Absentee ballot return deadline: End of voting hours on Election Day (Nov. 3)

Support for Voter Participation

The Secretary of State’s office is conducting outreach to ensure that all eligible voters understand their options. Information packets, FAQs, and a dedicated hotline are available to answer questions about the absentee process.

By providing a straightforward, constitutionally grounded absentee voting system, New Hampshire aims to uphold the democratic principle that every citizen’s voice can be heard, even when circumstances prevent a trip to the polling place.

Additional Resources

Voters can find detailed instructions, printable forms, and contact information on the New Hampshire Secretary of State’s website. Local election officials are also available to assist with any concerns regarding ballot eligibility, submission, or verification.

Original reporting: WMUR (Hearst) – local news — read the source article.