City Clerk Provides Details on Voting & Election Day Nov 3

October 30, 2020

Closing of City Clerk’s Office:

The City Clerk’s Office will be closed on Tuesday, November 3, 2020 to all business other than Election matters.

ELECTION DAY NOV 3 POLLING HOURS: 8 AM TO 8 PM -- For more information about voting in Portsmouth, click here.

ABSENTEE BALLOT VOTING -- Absentee Ballots are available at the City Clerk’s Office TODAY Monday, November 2, 2020 until 5 pm. For 2020, absentee ballots can be returned to the polling place by 5:00 p.m. on Election Day.  Election workers may ask for an ID but the voter is under no obligation to provide it if returning THEIR OWN ballot. If returning someone else’s ballot, they must provide an ID and complete an affidavit swearing to the “delivery agent” relationship (immediately family allowed) for the person returning the ballot.

Click here to download an application for an absentee ballot or visit the Voting Center in Council Chambers at City Hall. Click here for the criteria to obtain an absentee ballot. 

Voting in Portsmouth is by Ward, according to place of residence. The location where residents vote depends on where they live. For the map of the City’s five Wards, click here.

Voting Locations: 

  • Ward One – New Franklin School, 1 Franklin Drive 
  • Ward Two – Middle School, 155 Parrott Avenue 
  • Ward Three – NEW THIS YEAR Senior Activity Center, 125 Cottage Street 
  • Ward Four – NEW THIS YEAR Portsmouth High School, 50 Andrew Jarvis Drive 
  • Ward Five – Little Harbour School, 50 Clough Drive

For everyone’s safety and in accordance with the City Mask Ordinance, MASKS ARE REQUIRED AT ALL TIMES WHILE IN THE POLLING PLACE    

Everyone wishing to enter a polling place will be required to wear a mask to vote inside.  Those who cannot wear a  mask due to a medical condition will be required to vote at the outdoor tent located at each polling station.  Any voter who refuses to comply will be reported to the Portsmouth Police Department for enforcement.  The enforcement action could result in a summons and or arrest for criminal trespass or disorderly conduct.

Same Day Voter Registration:

New Hampshire law permits same-day registration for those 18 years of age or over, with proof of US citizenship and Portsmouth residence.

Picture ID Required for Voting:

Remember to bring your Picture Identification to vote on Election Day.  If you do not have your Picture ID you may complete a Challenged Voter Affidavit and have your photo taken by an Election Official.  Note to Voter:  RSA 659:13, IV (a) – The Secretary of State shall cause a letter of identity verification to be mailed by first class mail to each voter who executed a challenged voter affidavit.

Distribution or Wearing of Campaign Materials – RSA 659:43:

No person shall distribute, wear, or post at a polling place any campaign material in the form of a poster, card, handbill, placard, picture, pin, sticker, circular, or article of clothing (shirt, hat, face mask) which is intended to influence the action of the voter within the building where the election is being held.

Anyone wishing to enter the polling place will either remove or cover up any campaign materials prior to voting.  Any voter who refuses to comply will be reported to the Attorney General’s office for enforcement. The penalty is a violation with a fine not to exceed $1,000.00.

Sample Ballots:

Sample ballots are available on the City Clerk’s webpage under Voting Information click here.

Election Concerns or Questions

The New Hampshire Attorney General’s Election Hotline is available to voters or election officials who may have concerns or questions related to elections: 1-866-868-3703 (1-866-VOTER03). In the event a caller receives voicemail, the caller should leave a message. Attorneys in the office will address each message received. Inquiries and complaints may also be submitted via email at electionlaw@doj.nh.gov. Additionally, questions related to election procedures may be directed to the New Hampshire Secretary of State’s Office Elections Hotline: 1-833-726-0034 or by e-mail to: info@sos.nh.gov.