If you have a physical disability or care for someone with a disability and you are unable to vote in-person on Election Day because of the disability, you can vote by absentee ballot.
Know Your Voting Rights: Absentee Voting for Nursing Home Residents
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to vote absentee if I live in a nursing home?
No. You have the right to vote in-person on election day if you choose. Before election day, you should talk with staff about how to arrange transportation to the polls.
I live in a nursing home. Can I vote in my old town if I still own my home?
Yes. If you are a resident of a nursing home, state law allows you to continue to vote absentee from your previous domicile, as long as you successfully complete the absentee ballot application.
I haven’t registered to vote yet. Can I still vote absentee?
Yes. If you are not registered to vote and you submit an absentee ballot application, your clerk will send you a voter registration form in the mail. The voter registration form must be completed and returned to the clerk before you are mailed an absentee ballot.
Am I allowed to have someone help me vote absentee?
Yes. If you need assistance applying for, filling out, or delivering your absentee ballot, help can be provided by a friend, family member, caregiver, staff member, or service provider of your choice. The only people who cannot help you mark or cast your ballot are your employer or union representative.
My Photo ID is expired. Can I use it to vote?
Yes. If you are age 64 or younger, your expired photo ID will remain valid for 5 years after the expiration date. If you are age 65 or older, your expired photo ID can be used at any time after the expiration date.
Do I need to have my absentee ballot notarized?
No. Your official absentee ballot (the form where you mark your vote) does not need to be notarized. Only your application for an absentee ballot needs to be verified, which can be done by getting it notarized, including a copy of your photo ID with your application, or by presenting your photo ID to the clerk in-person.
Can I still vote if I am under a Guardianship or Power of Attorney?
Maybe. Election laws do not prohibit you from voting. However, the petition for the court may have taken away your right to vote. If you are unsure, look at your guardianship papers.
More Voting Related Resources From DRC-NH
Voting
All Americans are entitled to exercise their right to vote. We work to educate NH residents with disabilities about voting rights and responsibilities.
Coalition of Blind and Vision Impaired Voters
We seek to protect the rights of blind and vision impaired voters in New Hampshire, both at the polls and when voting absentee and to increase voting accessibility for blind and vision impaired voters New Hampshire residents.
Still Have Questions About Voting?
Call Us. We Can Help.
If you have questions about voting in NH including absentee voting or think your voting rights have been violated because of your disability you can contact us to speak with an attorney free 0f charge.
