Registering to Vote/Requesting Absentee Ballots - Frequently Asked Questions

REGISTERING TO VOTE/REQUESTING ABSENTEE BALLOTS

The New Hampshire General Election is on November 3, 2020.  If you haven’t registered to vote and would like to participate in the General Election you can register at the Town Clerk’s Office.  We are open 8:00am-4:30pm, Monday- Friday.  Additionally we will be open Monday, October 5, 2020 until 6:00pm.  The last day to register before the General Election is October 25, 2020.

If you are unable to come in, or are not comfortable coming into the office, contact us for an Absentee Registration Packet.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q.  What do I need to bring to register to vote?

A.  You will need to bring proof of identity, age, residency and citizenship.  Examples:  a driver/non-driver ID for identity and age, a bill, bank statement, or lease for residency and a birth certificate or passport for citizenship.

Q.  What if I don’t have all the proofs necessary?

A.  It is always best to bring actual documentation but   Affidavit Forms are available for you to sign.

Q.  What is my ward number?

A.  Durham does not have wards, you may leave this blank or mark it with “X”.

Q.  Where do I get the absentee request form?

A.  They are available at the Town Clerk’s Office or on our website ci.durham.nh.us under Town Clerk/elections.

        Q:  What is the last day I can request an absentee ballot?

         A:  The day before the election, if you request in person. You will be given the ballot to mark and
              return right then. If not in person, you need to allow mailing time to get the ballot to you and for you to
              return it to us. If returned in person, the day before election day; if by mail, at 5:00pm on election day.

Q.  When do you have to receive my ballot back?

A.  If you are returning your ballot in person, the last time we can receive it is between 3:00pm-5:00pm on November 2nd, the day before the election. If returned by mail we must receive it by 5:00pm, Election Day, November 3rd.

Q:  What should I use to mark the ballot?

A:  A regular pen will be fine.  Do not use markers, they tend to bleed through.

Q:  I used a marker and it bled through to the back of the ballot, what do I do?

A:  The voting machine is programed to read only the “ovals” that are filled in.  The bleed through will not affect the ovals.

Q:  Are all absentee ballots counted?

A:  Yes, in New Hampshire all absentee ballots are counted at the polls.

Q:  What happens to my ballot when I turn it in?

A:  Once the clerk accepts your ballot, it is matched up with the absentee ballot request you submitted to receive the ballot.   The ballot is then entered into HAVA the statewide Election Program.  Once entered into the system it is filed and placed into the vault until election day when it is transported to the polls.  Beginning at 8:00am, the absentee ballots will begin to be processed.  They will be opened by an election official who will then carry the ballot through the regular check-in table.  Your name will be announced, just as you would have to state your name, and you will be checked off on the checklist.  It will then be put into the election box and counted.

Q:  I have my ballot, what do I do with all the envelopes?

A:  Ballots that are mailed to you come in a large envelope.  Inside the envelope are two other envelopes, instructions and a ballot.  The smallest of the envelopes is the “Affidavit“ envelope.  This is a very important part of absentee voting and you must sign one of these statements.  There are two statements on the envelope: the statement on the left side of the envelope says you are going to be out of town during regular polling hours on election day; the statement on the right says you will be unavailable due to  religious observance or you have a physical disability.  This side also covers if you have concerns about voting in person due to COVID 19.  Mark your ballot and seal it into the affidavit envelope.  Then seal the affidavit envelope into the return envelope even if you are not going to mail it in.

Q:  I requested and received an absentee ballot but I think I want to vote in person, what do I do?

A:  If you change your mind and want to vote in person, don’t return the absentee ballot.  Processing of absentee ballots begins at 8:00 am, and if your absentee ballot has been processed before you come in to vote in person, you will not be able to.  To vote in person at the polls, bring your absentee ballot with you, report to the Moderator, inform him you requested an absentee ballot but are there to vote in person.  Give him your absentee ballot and proceed as instructed.

Q:  Where do I return my ballot?

A:   You can return your ballot through the mail (to be received by 5:00pm Election Day).  You can bring your ballot to the Town Clerk’s Office (up to the day before the Election).  Drop boxes cannot be used for ballots.