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Voter ID in the Granite State

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In 2018 thirty-four states, including New Hampshire, require voters to present ID at the polls.

In each of those states, if a voter does not show ID, he or she may sign an affidavit or cast some form of provisional ballot that requires additional verification.

NH’s voter ID law

In general, New Hampshire law requires voters to present a valid form of ID to get a ballot. The following are accepted IDs:

  • Driver’s license
  • Other ID issued by the DMV
  • Military ID
  • Passport
  • Student ID from a NH school, with a date of issuance
  • An ID that the moderator, supervisor of the checklist, or clerk determines to be legitimate

If a voter does not have ID, he or she can still vote by signing an affidavit. The moderator must take a picture of the voter and attach it to the affidavit.

After the election the Secretary of State sends a letter to each voter who signed an affidavit. The voter must respond to that letter within 30 days, or face investigation.

If you believe have been illegally denied the right to vote, or you see other problems on election day, you can call the state attorney general hotline: 1-866-VOTER3 (or 1-866-868-3703). You may also speak to the moderator at your polling place.

Arguments for, against voter ID

Supporters of voter ID laws argue that asking voters to show ID is a very low barrier that greatly increases the integrity of elections.

Opponents argue that voter ID laws make it more difficult for low income and less educated citizens to vote, and there is no proof of widespread voter fraud without ID laws.

Other voter restrictions

In general, New Hampshire voters registering for the first time must show additional proof of identity, residency, and citizenship beyond a driver’s license.

Click here to learn more about voter registration in New Hampshire

New Hampshire recently passed additional residency requirements for voters. However, those restrictions do not go into effect until July 2019.

Click here to learn more about voter residency requirements in New Hampshire

Do you have an opinion on New Hampshire’s voter ID law? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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