New Hampshire Voters Inactive for Five Years Must Re-Register by Aug. 1

New Hampshire voters who have not voted in any election over the last five years may have to re-register before voting in future elections under the state's annual voter checklist verification process.

According to a Patch of New Hampshire report, Secretary of State David Scanlan has informed voters about the annual voter checklist verification process mandated by state law RSA 654:39. Under New Hampshire law, public sessions run by local supervisors of the checklist and registrars will continue through Aug. 1 to identify voters who have been inactive or who have not registered since the 2024 State General Election. These voters must re-register to stay on the checklist.

Removal of eligible voters from the checklist cannot occur before June 1 and will follow at least a 30-day notice. The notice will inform voters that their names will be removed from the checklist and that they must re-register by following the instructions in the letter or postcard. Officials are required by law to remove those voters from the checklist no earlier than June 1, even if they know the voter still resides in the town.

Voters who have permanently moved out of town are not required to respond to the notification and will be removed from the checklist.

To view their status, voters can visit app.sos.nh.gov to verify their voter registration information, check their voter status, and obtain local clerk contact information.

Voters need to bring proof of identity, age, dwelling, and U.S. citizenship to register to vote. More information on resources available to help previously registered voters prove their qualifications can be found online. Student IDs can be used until June 2, when NH HB323 goes into effect. 

The New Hampshire primary election is scheduled for Sept. 8. To find more information about how to register to vote, visit the New Hampshire Secretary of State's elections webpage.