Encouraging qualified voters to cast absentee ballots is legal in New Hampshire, even though state law limits who may use that voting method. The distinction is important as voters prepare for the Nov. 3, 2026, general election.
The issue arose after a Laconia Daily Sun reader questioned whether a letter from Jade Wood, a Republican candidate in Belknap County, unlawfully urged recipients to complete their absentee ballots and return them before Election Day. The letter said early voting could help people avoid conflicts involving work, family responsibilities or unexpected delays.
New Hampshire does not offer unrestricted no-excuse absentee voting. A voter must be unable to appear at the polls because of a qualifying temporary absence, physical disability or another circumstance recognized under state law. Examples include being away from town on Election Day, observing a religious occasion that prevents in-person voting, working or handling a caregiving obligation.
“Turning in your absentee ballot early ensures that unexpected delays, work schedules, or busy family routines won’t keep you from making an impact.”
— Jade Wood, in a letter to Belknap County voters
How absentee voting works
Eligible voters must submit an absentee-ballot application to their local town or city clerk. The application must include the required proof of identity. The New Hampshire Secretary of State’s office maintains information about qualifying circumstances and the application process.
- Requests may be made as early as May 3, 2026, six months before the state general election.
- The deadline to request a ballot by mail is noon on Nov. 2, the day before the election.
- Voters requesting and returning a ballot in person have until 5 p.m. on Nov. 2.
- A ballot sent by mail or delivered by an authorized delivery agent must arrive by 5 p.m. on Nov. 3.
Absentee ballots are submitted through local clerks rather than directly through a campaign. Candidates and political organizations may encourage eligible voters to participate, but the voter still must meet the state’s legal requirements and complete the application process.
The absentee-voting rules apply to the statewide contests and other races on the November ballot. The election will be held Tuesday, Nov. 3, with polling places open for voters who qualify to vote in person and for those whose circumstances do not require or permit absentee voting.
The New Hampshire Fact Check Hub, a project of the Granite State News Collaborative and its partners, reviewed the question after it was submitted by a Laconia Daily Sun reader.
