Know what documents you need to bring with you to the polls
Jacob Barrett , correspondent, Granite State News Collaborative
For the first time in a New Hampshire presidential primary 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.
While this requirement was in place for the 2023 general election, Tuesday, Jan 23 will be the first New Hampshire presidential primary when it will be enforced. 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 independent voters have the option to choose between a Democratic or Republican ballot.
However, currently registered voters affiliated with a specific party won’t be able to change their affiliation before voting on election day—the deadline for changing party affiliation before the primary was Oct. 6.
Bradford Cook, chair of the, NH Ballot Law Commission, said that the October deadline helps prevent parties from persuading voters to their side as the election nears.
“I don’t see that as a bad thing because I don’t think members of one party should be influencing the choice in the other party.”
After casting their presidential primary ballots voters can choose to change their party affiliation before leaving their polling place. For example, a registered independent could choose a Republican ballot and then return to independent status.
In a press release, the Secretary of State’s Office reported that 4,920 voters changed their affiliation between September 14th and October 7. The vast majority of which, 3,542 voters, switched from Democrat to undeclared while 719 Republicans joined the undeclared ranks as well. Also, 408 Democrats switched to Republican, 132 undeclared voters switched to Republican, 78 Republicans became Democrats and 41 undeclared voters changed to Democratic.
McKenzie St. Germain, director for the New Hampshire Campaign for Voting Rights (cq), said her organization is working toward finding ways to make voting more accessible, and making sure requirements, rights, and changes are better communicated throughout the state
“I think we can probably always do a better job…especially because our election systems are really decentralized in New Hampshire.”
–Granite State News Collaborative freelance editor Philip Kincade contributed to this report
These articles are being shared by partners in The Granite State News Collaborative as part of its What to Expect When You’re Electing Series. For more information visit collaborativenh.org.