Step 1: Registration

In New Hampshire, registering to vote is easy. It can be done before the elections or at the polls. To register, you will need proof of identity and age alongside proof of citizenship. This could be a license and a passport. You also need to prove that you live in the city you are registering for. This can be the address on your license but also could be a federal form that has your name and address. If you are registering before the election, it can be done at the Town Hall or online (under special circumstances). 

Step 2: Voting

There are two options for voting, in-person or absentee. In New Hampshire, absentee voting is only allowed if something is making you unable to go to the ballots on the day of the elections. This includes being out of town for elections, disability, religious beliefs, and military service. If properly registered, absentee voting means just sending a ballot through the mail. 

The main way people vote is in person. The polls are open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. The time this takes will depend on the time and the size of the town you are voting in. This year, I went with my mom to the polls. We got in line at 9:57 a.m. and left the door at 10:34 a.m. The process of getting the ballot and voting was only 3 minutes long, but the wait took up most of the time. This year, the US overall had higher voter participation, meaning all the lines were longer. Don’t let the time it takes discourage you from voting, because every vote matters. If you are in line before 8 p.m., you are still able to vote even if the polls close. 

Things to Remember

• It is necessary to register again after moving to a new location. 

• Bring a form of identification to the polls. 

• Registering as an independent allows you to choose the party you participate/vote with at the door. It doesn’t mean you're allowed to vote within both parties, you are only allowed one ballot but are given the choice when you arrive. 

• During a primary, if you are registered as Independent, make sure to change back to Independent after voting. When you pick the party to vote for, it will change your party affiliation but that can be easily switched after turning in the Ballot. 

• Research local elections and the ballot questions before going to the polls. They aren’t publicised as much as national elections, so it is important to do independent research (per Ms. Saluto’s recommendation).

• Check candidates policy platforms by viewing their website or go to the party website to get some general party policy platforms. These will show their views on different policies and help a voter make a more educated decision based on their beliefs.