The Accessible Absentee Voting System is making it possible for NH voters who are blind or visually impaired to cast their vote independently and privately in the upcoming general election, in spite of the extra hurdles created by the COVID 19 pandemic. We have put together this blog as a guide to help people navigate the required steps, and hope to provide voters with helpful information to assure a smooth voting process.
The videos included here outline the steps and sequence with audio description, provide links and contact information for more details or support. If you haven’t done so already, be sure to visit the Accessible Voting page on our website, where you will find even more resources and information about accessible voting options.
Accessible Absentee Voting Steps
The steps of what is required for Accessible Absentee Voting are summarized at the bottom of this page, but we recommend you watch and listen to this 2 part video series to get a detailed explanation of the process.
VIDEO: Accessible Absentee Voting Part 1
VIDEO: Accessible Absentee Voting Part 2
1) Request Your Accessible Absentee Ballot
Recently, New Hampshire has implemented an accessible absentee voting system for voters with print disabilities. As stated on the NH Secretary of State’s website: “This system allows a voter to receive and mark an absentee ballot using their own personal computer. The marked ballot, after being secured in the affidavit envelope, must then be returned to the city or town clerk by conventional means.
Only voters who have a print disability that makes use of the system necessary may use the electronic application and absentee voting system.” To learn more and to download an application to receive instruction and the required envelope to return your completed ballot to your city or town clerk, visit: https://sos.nh.gov/elections/voters/register-to-vote/absentee/accessible-voting/ for details.
It’s advisable to start the process for the general election as early as you can to allow for time needed to request, receive, complete and return your accessible absentee ballot by the deadline.
2) Vote! (and print out on your printer)
Following the instructions you receive along with your accessible absentee ballot affidavit envelope, mark your ballot using your computer, print, sign and seal the envelope.
3) Return your Ballot to the City or Town Clerk
Return your Absentee Ballot through the mail or hand deliver it to your city or town clerk.
Be sure to give the post office plenty of time to deliver your ballot OR If dropping off at the town clerk, do it as soon as possible to allow time for processing!
Important Deadline: All Accessible Absentee Ballots MUST be received and accounted for by 5:00 PM on election day in order to be counted.
4) Track Your Ballot
Track your ballot at : https://app.sos.nh.gov/Public/AbsenteeBallot.aspx