Know what documents you need to bring with you to the polls

Jacob Barrett , correspondent, Granite State News Collaborative

If you’re preparing to vote in the upcoming primary and general elections, there’s one thing to remember: Voters unable to provide proof of citizenship, identity, age and residency in the ward they are voting will be required to complete a “challenged voter affidavit.” This rule applies to same-day registration voters and already registered voters.

All voters must be 18 years of age, a United States citizen, and domiciled in the town or precinct where they are voting.

A driver’s license or non-driver ID can be used to show age and identity.  A U.S. Passport, Passcard, or naturalization documents can be used to show citizenship. A Driver’s license or non-driver ID can also be used to prove domicile, but other documentation can serve as proof as well. A full description of voting rules and a list of acceptable documents can be found on the NH Secretary of State’s website.

Acceptable photo IDs must have an expiration date or date of issuance and are considered valid up to five years beyond the expiration date. If a voter is 65 or older an acceptable photo ID may be used without regard to expiration.

Those voters without acceptable documentation will be provided a “challenged voter affidavit.”  and have their photograph taken. The affidavit includes instructions on providing the Secretary of State with the missing information. If they fail to do so within seven days their ballots will not be certified.

Voters objecting to the photograph requirement because of religious beliefs can execute an affidavit of religious exemption that will be attached to the affidavit instead of the photograph.

Newly registered New Hampshire voters and registered undeclared voters have the option to choose between a Democratic or Republican ballot. After casting a party’s ballot, undeclared voters can change back to undeclared status before leaving the polls.

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