Wendy Roper: Understand how NH absentee voter process has changed

To The Daily Sun,

Having followed some of the legislation that was passed and signed into law in the recent legislative session, I wanted to secure more information about two Senate Bills that are effective Sept. 30. Both bills impact requirements for absentee voting — SB 287 (requires all voters submitting an absentee ballot to include either a copy of acceptable photo identification or have the application notarized) and SB 218 (requires voters registering by absentee ballot to provide documentation demonstrating citizenship, age, domicile and identity).

I went to the New Hampshire Secretary of State’s website for the information I needed to ensure my family and friends who might need to vote absentee would be prepared for these changes. The section of the website providing guidance for absentee voters was dated 2024 and not reflective of the upcoming changes. I called the Secretary of State’s Office and learned they are working toward updating the website and issuing a “guidance letter” by Sept. 29 or 30.

Folks that are savvy in negotiating state websites, RSAs, etc. can still find information about these changes now, but not everyone has the time or ability to do this. I encourage readers to watch the NH Secretary of State’s website for clear voter guidance and, failing that, seek information from their municipality’s voting officials. 

Don’t have an absentee ballot be rejected by failing to provide the required documentation. Readers' votes count.

Wendy Roper

Gilford