New Hampshire Voters Face June 2 Deadline To Change Party Before State Primary

CONCORD, NH — New Hampshire Secretary of State David M. Scanlan is reminding voters that June 2 is the deadline to change party affiliation before the State Primary Election on Sept. 8.

Registered voters who want to change their party affiliation must visit their local town or city clerk’s office before that deadline. After June 2, voters registered as Democrats will be able to vote only in the Democratic State Primary, while voters registered as Republicans will be able to vote only in the Republican State Primary. Undeclared voters may choose which party’s primary to vote in.

Voters who are unsure of their current party status can check their voter registration information through the Secretary of State’s Voter Information Lookup page at app.sos.nh.gov. That website also allows voters to find local town or city clerk information, polling locations, and sample ballots when they are available.

The Secretary of State’s office said undeclared voters who took part in a recent primary should verify that their affiliation is listed correctly. The announcement explains that once an undeclared voter chooses a ballot on election day, that voter becomes a registered member of that party. After casting a ballot, the voter can change back to undeclared before leaving the polling place.

The announcement also outlines several ways qualified individuals can register to vote. According to the Secretary of State’s office, voters may register at a local clerk’s office or at a local supervisor of the checklist meeting. The notice states that supervisors of the checklist are required to hold their mandatory meeting between six and 13 days before the State Primary Election.

The office also said eligible residents may register at the polls on election day or by absentee ballot if they qualify. The State Primary Election is scheduled for Sept. 8.

For election information, voters can visit www.sos.nh.gov/elections.