FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

When are local elections held in Newmarket?

Local Elections for the school are held on the 2^nd Tuesday in March each year. The election for the town is held on the 2^nd Tuesday of May each year.

Can a person who just moved into town register to vote on Election Day and vote in that election?

Yes. A person may register and vote on Election Day if he or she fills out the appropriate voter registration form and the supervisors find that he or she meets the qualifications necessary to vote in that town or city. RSA 654-7 a. states that the law allows registration on “election day,” which refers to state primary and state general elections; to all town, city, school district and village districts elections; and to all official ballot referendum meetings where a person may vote by absentee ballot.

How can I register to vote?

You can register in the Town Clerk’s office during regular business hours, with the Supervisors of the Checklist during their posted meetings, which are usually 10-13 days before any election, or with the Supervisors of the checklist on Election Day.

Am I eligible to register to vote?

Yes if you

• Will be 18 years of age or older on election day

• Are a US Citizen

• Are domiciled in New Hampshire in the town or ward where you seek to register.

How do I prove my age?

You must present one of the following-

• A driver license

• A government issued non-driver ID card

• A birth certificate

• A passport

• Any other reasonable proof

How do I prove that I am a US Citizen?

Present one of the following-

• A birth certificate

• A passport

• Naturalization papers

If you do not have the above information you may complete a Citizenship Affidavit; however you will need to prove your identity.

Frequently Asked Questions About Naturalization

How do I prove my domicile?

Present one of the following, provided it lists the address you claim as your domicile

• A driver license, non-driver ID from any state

• A passport

• An Armed Services identification

• A photo ID issued by state or local government

• Any reasonable proof acceptable to the official taking your affidavit

What about the first, or the Deliberative Session in an official ballot referendum (SB2) town or district?

A person who is not already on the checklist before the first session on the town meeting in an official ballot referendum (SB 2) town, will not be able to register to vote at the first session and hence will not be able to participate in that Deliberative Session. It is the second session of the town meeting in an SB2 town, deemed as the annual election date for purposes of the election statutes when a person may register to vote on the day of the election. RSA 40:13, RSA 654-7-a.

What is a Deliberative Session?

A Deliberative Session is open to the public and this is where items that are going to be on the ballot are presented for discussion. A Deliberative Session is held for the school, and for the town. They are the month PRIOR to the election as stated above. To vote or participate at a Deliberative Session, you must be registered to vote, and on the voter checklist at least 14 days prior to the Deliberative Session. This is because the Supervisors of the Checklist must meet on the Saturday that is 13 days before the Deliberative Session. If you are not on the voter checklist, you can still attend and listen to the discussions as they take place; however, you cannot participate.

What are the penalties for an applicant who gives false information or fraudulently votes?

Knowingly and purposefully providing false information when registering to vote is a class A misdemeanor. Fraudulently registering to vote or voting is subject to a civil penalty not to exceed $5,000.00. RSA 659:34

What if I am active military and am not on the checklist. Can I obtain an absentee ballot?

You can obtain an Absentee Ballot from Newmarket, provided Newmarket, New Hampshire is your military home of record. The military home of record for voting purposes is the town in which you were domiciled when you entered the service. RSA 654:4 and 657:3.

If I register my car, am I automatically registered to vote?

No, you will be required to register to vote as noted above.

What if my elderly parent/friend/neighbor is a registered voter but is in an out of town nursing home and would like to vote?

Yes, they may vote in Newmarket if Newmarket was their last place of residence prior to entering the facility.

What if my son/daughter is away in college and they would like to register to vote & request an absentee ballot?

The voter can fill out an absentee voter registration form, along with the voter registration form, and application for an absentee ballot (if they will not be able to come to the polls on election day). All forms are available at the Town Clerk’s office.

How can I obtain an absentee ballot?

You may only request an absentee ballot if you are unable to come to the polls because of illness, injury, and religious observance. You can print a Request for Absentee Ballot from the website and return to the Town Clerk in person, via facsimile or by US mail. You can drop off a completed request for a friend or family member, HOWEVER you cannot take an absentee ballot for a friend or family member. An absentee ballot can only be given directly to the voter requesting the absentee ballot either in person or via United States mail.

The Town Clerk must receive all absentee ballots, by U.S. mail by 5:00 p.m. on Election Day. Absentee ballots dropped off in person must be received by 5:00 p.m.

the day before Election Day. Please be aware that ballots that are dropped off in person can only be received from the registered voter. You cannot drop off an absentee ballot for a friend or a family member.