FAQ: How The NH Voter ID Law Will Work

New Hampshire voters will need the proper identification to vote after the state primary elections this year.

The Voter ID law passed in June will require all voters to have photo identification before entering the voting booth after the law is put into effect on Nov. 1, 2012.

Want to catch up on local elections? Read our handy 2012 Election Guide.

What type of photo ID will I need in order to vote?

For any election before Sept. 1, 2013, you will be asked to provide one of the following:

• Driver’s license issued by any state (even if expired);
• ID card issued by NH DMV (Division of Motor Vehicles);
• U.S. Armed Services ID card;
• U.S. Passport (even if expired);
• Valid photo ID card issued by either the federal government or a state, county or municipal
• government;
• Valid student ID card
• Other photo ID deemed legitimate by the supervisors of the checklist, the moderator, or the clerk; or
• Verification of identity by a supervisor of the checklist, the moderator or the clerk

What if I do not have an approved photo ID?

Before November 1, 2012, any voter who does not present an approved photo ID will be informed of the  new law and permitted to vote.

Between November 1, 2012 and September 1, 2013, any voter who does not present an approved photo  ID will be permitted to vote after executing a “challenged voter affidavit.”

A voter who does not have an approved photo ID may obtain a free photo ID for voting purposes only by presenting a voucher from their town/city clerk or the Secretary of State to any NH DMV office that issues identification.

Is there any post-election action required by me after I vote without an approved photo ID?

After November 1, 2012, if you filled out a “challenged voter affidavit” in order to vote on Election Day,  you will receive a verification letter from the Secretary of State, requesting confirmation that you voted  in the election. If you do not respond in writing to the Secretary of State within 30 days of the date it  was mailed, the Attorney General will conduct an investigation to determine whether fraudulent voting occurred.

Amherst Supervisor of the Checklist Jeanne Ludt said that the new system for getting a free photo identification through the DMV is still under construction, but will be ready when the law goes into effect. The absentee voting process is unchanged by the photo ID legislation.

For more information, contact the Merrimack Town Clerk or by go to SOS.NH.GOV and click on the “Voter ID” button.  You can also call the Secretary of State's Office at 603-271-3242.