New Hampshire voters who cannot reach their polling place for a qualifying reason still have time to request an absentee ballot before Tuesday’s general election, state officials said. The deadline for obtaining an absentee ballot is the day before the election, which falls on Monday, Nov. 2.
New Hampshire does not offer broad early voting. Instead, absentee voting is limited by the state constitution to voters who will be absent from their polling place or whose disability or illness prevents them from voting there, Secretary of State David Scanlan said.
“New Hampshire does not have early voting. In New Hampshire, you can vote by absentee. But as required in our state constitution, you have to have a reason.” — Secretary of State David Scanlan
The Legislature has further defined the circumstances covered by absence, disability and illness. Voters who meet those requirements may obtain an absentee ballot until Monday, one day before the election.
What voters need to know
- Election Day: Tuesday, Nov. 3.
- Early voting: New Hampshire does not have an early-voting system.
- Absentee eligibility: A voter must be absent from the polling place or have an illness or disability that prevents voting there.
- Last day to obtain a ballot: Monday, Nov. 2.
Scanlan said state election officials were prepared for Tuesday’s voting. The absentee option is separate from early voting: It allows eligible voters to cast ballots when they cannot appear at their polling place for the reasons recognized under state law.
The general election includes races for governor, the U.S. Senate, Congress, the Executive Council and the New Hampshire Legislature. Voters who plan to vote absentee must use the process established by their local election officials, while those voting in person will cast ballots on Election Day.
State officials’ guidance comes as New Hampshire prepares for voting on Tuesday. Scanlan urged voters to understand the distinction between absentee voting and early voting and to act by the absentee-ballot deadline if they qualify.
