Voting as a student in New Hampshire
On Tuesday, November 8, Granite Staters will be getting out the vote and heading to their polling places. But what if you’re a student at one of New Hampshire’s many colleges and universities? Are students, particularly out-of-state students, able to cast a ballot in NH?
Yes you can! We’ve collected our most frequently asked questions for students, whether you attend Keene State, Dartmouth, Plymouth State or UNH. Registering and voting in New Hampshire is easy and quick, especially with early registration and same-day registration on election day!
Q: I’m an out-of-state student — can I vote in New Hampshire?
A: Any student, 18 years old and a U.S. citizen who lives in New Hampshire while at school may vote here, even if you are attending from out-of-state. Whether you live on- or off-campus, you’re eligible, even if you return to your home state over breaks.
Q: I forgot to register before my town’s deadline! Can I still vote?
A: Yes, New Hampshire has Election Day registration at the polls!
Q: I have registered or previously voted in another state. Can I vote in New Hampshire?
A: If you’ve register or voted in another state in the past but live at school in New Hampshire, you can register and cast your ballot here. You may only vote in one state, of course.
Q: But I’ve only lived in New Hampshire for a short time (perhaps since, say, September?)
A: There is no minimum amount of time you have to live in New Hampshire to register to vote.
Q: What do I need in order to register to vote?
A: Bring an ID showing your identity, age, citizenship, and voting address (domicile). IDs are still valid for this if they’ve expired in the last 5 years. To show your identity, it’s fine if an ID shows an address in another town, city, or state. Your voting address can be proven on another document.
If you don’t have an ID showing one of these things, you can also sign a short sworn statement to prove who you are or your age, citizenship or address.
Q: I live in student housing/a dorm — what do I need in order to show my voting address?
A: You’ll need the same things as any other voter — establish identity, citizenship, that you’re over 18, and where you live (we call this domicile). For domicile, if your ID does not have your student housing address on it, you may use a utility bill — but often students in dorms aren’t paying utilities. You may also use:
- Letter from your school showing your on-campus voting address
- Bank statement
- Paycheck, government check or FAFSA statement
- School directory entry
- Or talk to your registrar!
Q: Where do I vote at my college?
A: These times may change. Check back as election gets closer. You can also look up your polling location at iwillvote.com/nh:
UNH — There will be busses running continuously on Election Day to help you get to your polling location.
Polling location: Oyster River High School, 55 Coe Dr, Durham 03824
Time: 7:00 AM — 7:00 PM
Keene State College (Keene Ward 1) —
Polling location: Michael E.J. Blastos Community Room, 400 Marlboro St, Keene 03431
Time: 8:00 AM — 7:00 PM
Dartmouth College —
Polling location: Hanover High School Gym, 41 Lebanon St, Hanover 03755
Time: 7:00 AM — 7:00 PM
Plymouth State University —
Polling location: Plymouth Elementary School, 43 Old Ward Bridge Rd, Plymouth 03264
Time: 8:00 AM — 7:00 PM
There you have it! Don’t forget to check out the rest of our New Hampshire voting information, volunteer, and get out the vote!
