How to Register to Vote
How do I register to vote?
The Supervisors of the Checklist administer voter registration. They issue guidelines for the taking of evidence of qualifications presented by applicants. The Supervisors have special hours determined by State Law to accept voter registrations, these hours are posted at Town Hall and are printed in the local newspapers, they are generally held just before elections and before the beginning of a filing period. The Town Clerk's office will also accept applications during regular business hours.
The Supervisors will approve applications when they meet. Voter registration closes 10 days before an election. New Hampshire also has same day voter registration. You may not register to vote at school district and town meetings. You may register to vote at our polling place on Election Day and vote.
Who Can Register
Any Sandown resident 18 years or older and a United States Citizen may register at the Town Clerk’s Office. In addition, the Supervisors of the Checklist have a session ten days prior to each election that you may register at. Also, you may register at the polls on Election Day.
What You Need to Register
In addition to filling out the Voter Registration form you will be asked to provide:
- Proof of Age – A New Hampshire Driver’s license OR a government issued photo id
- Proof of Citizenship – Birth Certificate OR a US Passport (if you do not have a Birth Certificate or Passport available you will be asked to sign a citizen affidavit)
- Proof of Domicile – Car registration, utility bill, lease or rental agreemen showing your Sandown legal address (not a P O Box)
- Naturalized Citizens – You MUST provide your naturalization documents with the date and name of the court where you were naturalized or a valid passport.
- Domicile and citizenship affidavits - Affadavits are available if you cannot provide necessary documentation.
Please note that you must be a US Citizen and a registered voter to participate in local elections.
When you register to vote you are registered for all elections and town and school meetings.
When are elections held?
Town elections are held annually on the second Tuesday in March. This election is following a Deliberative Session that is normally held either the last Saturday in January or first Saturday in February. This meeting is where issues that are on the ballot are discussed and explained so you can make an informed decision when you vote. We strongly urge everyone to come and voice their opinion.
The Presidential Primary election is held usually in January every four years always in an even-numbered year. Every two years (also in even-numbered years) there is a State Primary election held on the second Tuesday in September and a State General Election held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. Every four years this election also includes the Presidential election.
Further information about voting can be found at the NH Secretary of State website.
Absentee Voting Information
Eligibility:- Absence from Town on Election Day
- Observance of a religious commitment.
- By reason of a physical disability.
Requesting a State or Town Absentee Ballot
An Official State Absentee Ballot Request form or Town Election Absentee Ballot Request form may be obtained at the Town Clerk’s office, downloaded from the Secretary of State's website or the voter may write a letter of request. The request may be submitted in person, by mail or by fax at (603) 887-5163. All requests require a signature.
If you are a Sandown voter, mail your request to:
Sandown Town Clerk
P.O. Box 583
Sandown, NH 03873
Please Note: If you are requesting an absentee ballot for a partisan election, please be sure to indicate whether you want a Republican or Democratic ballot if you are an undeclared voter. If you are affiliated with a party, you will be mailed the ballot of that party. Please contact your town clerk to confirm your party affiliation.
Returning Your Ballot
Make your vote count! Carefully follow the instructions enclosed with your ballot. After marking your ballot, place it in the small envelope and seal this envelope, sign the affidavit and return it to the Town Clerk’s office. Affix postage and mail the envelope so that it is received before 5:00 PM on Election Day. If the ballot is hand delivered personally by the voter it must be received by 5:00 PM the day before the election. No personally delivered ballots will be accepted on Election Day.