2024-2025 Political Calendar

Election Dates and Deadlines

Presidential Primary - January 23, 2024
TOWN ELECTION – March 12, 2024
SB2 TOWN ELECTION - March 12, 2024
SB2 TOWN ELECTION - April 9, 2024
ALTERNATE TOWN ELECTION - May 14, 2024
SB2 TOWN ELECTION - May 14, 2024
STATE PRIMARY ELECTION – September 10, 2024
GENERAL ELECTION – November 5, 2024
TOWN ELECTION - March 11, 2025
SB2 TOWN ELECTION - March 11, 2025
SB2 TOWN ELECTION - April 8, 2025
ALTERNATE TOWN ELECTION – May 13, 2025

652:21 Authority; Format. Prior to the state primary election, the secretary of state with the advice and approval of the attorney general shall prepare a political calendar for state and town elections setting forth the dates when action required under the election laws must be taken. Any action taken by any candidate or official in connection with the election laws which shall be taken in accordance with the dates set forth in said calendar shall be deemed to be duly performed for the purposes of the election laws. The expense of printing said political calendar shall be a charge upon the appropriation for the office of the secretary of state.

Time Computation

652:17 Uniform System. For the purposes of the election laws, a uniform system of computation of time shall be maintained.

652:18 Days Included and Excluded. I. Except where specifically stated to the contrary, when a period or limit of time is to be reckoned from a day or date, that day or date shall be excluded from and the day on which an act should occur shall be included in the computation of the period or limit of time.

II. Whenever the election laws refer to a period or limit of time, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays shall be included, except as provided in paragraph I. However, when the last day for performing any act under the election laws is a Saturday, Sunday or official state holiday, the act required shall be deemed to be duly performed if it is performed on the following business day.

652:20 End of Day. Whenever the election laws require a filing with or an action by an official, such filing or action shall be performed before 5 o'clock in the afternoon of the stipulated day. During the afternoon of the stipulated day, the school district clerk or his designee, or the town clerk or his designee, shall arrange his time so as to be available between the hours of 3 o'clock and 5 o'clock.

TRADITIONAL TOWN MEETING WITH MARCH ELECTION – 2024

January 13
Supervisors should post checklist showing party registration at town or city clerks office or at town or city hall; checklist must show place and time for session for correction of the checklist. RSA 654:33

January 16
Last day to publish notice of the January 23, 2024 session for correction of the checklist for town election in 2 appropriate places, one of which shall be the city or town’s website (if such exists) or published in a newspaper of general circulation. RSA 654:27; 669:5

January 23
Supervisors must hold session for correction of checklist from 7:00 - 7:30 p.m. and for extended hours at the discretion of the supervisors for town election. Change in party registrations may be accepted. RSA 669:5.

January 24 – February 2
Filing period for town offices in towns using non-partisan ballot system. Any candidate filing on last day must file in person. Clerks must be available between 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. on last day of filing period. RSA 669:19; 652:20

Declarations of candidacy. All candidates filing on the last day must file in person. RSA 669:19

SB2/RSA 40:13 OFFICIAL BALLOT REFERENDUM – 2024

January 5
Last day for submission of petitioned articles which proposes a bond governed by RSA 33:8-a. RSA 40:13 II-a. (b)

January 9
Last day to Notice budget hearings. RSA 40:13 II-a. (a)

Last day for submission of petitioned articles. RSA 40:13 II-a. (b)

January 16
Budget hearings. RSA 40:13 II-a. (c)

January 29
Warrants under RSA 39:5 and RSA 197:7 and budgets shall be posted and copies available to the general public on or before the last Monday in January. RSA 40:13 II-a (d)

SB2 Petition Filing dates are listed. Other SB2 dates are dependent on local options, therefore are not listed.

TRADITIONAL TOWN MEETING WITH MARCH ELECTION – 2024

February 2
Last day for party caucus to nominate candidates for town office in towns using partisan system. RSA 669:39

February 6
Last day for 25 or more voters or 2 percent of voters, whichever is less, of a town to petition selectmen to place referendum on ballot to increase or decrease membership of board of selectmen. RSA 41:8-b, 8-d

Last day for 25 or more voters or 2% of the voters, whichever is less, in the town to apply to selectmen to include a warrant article. RSA 39:3

February 13
Last day for supervisors to post current checklist at the office of the town or city clerk or at the town hall; notice of day, hour and place of upcoming checklist sessions must be posted with checklist. RSA 654:26, 669:5

February 23
Last day to publish notice of March 2, 2024 session for correction of checklist for town election in 2 appropriate places, one of which shall be the city or town’s website (if such exists) or published in a newspaper of general circulation. RSA 654:27, 669:5.

February 26
Last day for selectmen to post warrant at all polling places and at town clerks office and at town hall; warrant shall prescribe place, day, hour of election, the time polls are to open and the time before which polls may not close; warrant shall specify which items will be voted on by ballot. RSA 39:5, 669:2.

SB2/RSA 40:13 OFFICIAL BALLOT REFERENDUM – 2024

February 9
Last day for submission of petitioned articles which proposes a bond governed by RSA 33:8-a. RSA 40:13 II-b (b)

February 13
Last day to Notice budget hearings. RSA 40:13 II-b. (a)

Last day for submission of petitioned articles. RSA 40:13 II-b. (b)

February 20
Budget hearings. RSA 40:13 II-b. (c)

February 26
Warrants under RSA 39:5 and RSA 197:7 and budgets shall be posted and copies available to the general public on or before the last Monday in February. RSA 40:13 II-b (d)

SB2 Petition Filing dates are listed. Other SB2 dates are dependent on local options, therefore are not listed.

TRADITIONAL TOWN MEETING WITH MARCH ELECTION – 2024

March 2
Session of supervisors for correction of checklist as a minimum requirement and at the discretion of the supervisors for extended hours. RSA 654:28; 669:5.

Last day for town clerk/supervisors to accept voter registration applications. No additions or corrections shall be made to the checklist after this session, until election day, except as provided in RSA 659:12. RSA 654:8, II

Reports of transfer; reports of death; removal of names. RSA 654:36, 37, 44

March 8
Last day for supervisors to post final, corrected checklist for town election, on or before midnight. RSA 654:28

Certification of checklist; 2 copies filed with town clerk. RSA 654:28, 29.

March 11
Town clerk must be available to accept any completed absentee ballots filed in person, or delivered by an absentee voter’s delivery agent between 3:00 and 5:00 p.m. RSA 652:20; 669:29; 657:4; 657:17; 657:17-a; 657:24. The deadline for requesting that an absentee ballot be mailed to a voter is 12:00 p.m. (Noon) on the Monday before an election. RSA 657:15, I

March 12
Town Election Day. - Voters may register at the polls on election day. RSA 39:1, 669:1, 654:7-a, 7-b

No person not authorized by law may stand or sit within 6 feet of the ballot clerk for purposes of observing the check-in of voters without the express permission of the moderator. RSA 659:13-a; 666:4,5

March 15
Last day for any person for whom a vote was cast to apply to town clerk for a recount. Clerk must be available at least between 3:00 and 5:00 p.m. RSA 669:30; 652:20

March 19
Last day for 10 voters of a town to petition clerk to recount ballots on any question printed on official ballot. Clerk must be available at least between 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. RSA 40:4-c; 652:20

TRADITIONAL TOWN MEETING WITH ALTERNATE ELECTION – 2024

March 15
Supervisors should post checklist showing party registration in town clerk's office or at town hall; checklist must show place and time for session of the checklist. RSA 654:33

March 19
Last day to publish notice of the March 26, 2024 session for correction of the checklist for town election in 2 appropriate places, one of which shall be the city or town’s website (if such exists) or published in a newspaper of general circulation. RSA 654:27; 669:5

March 26
Supervisors must hold session for correction of checklist from 7:00 - 7:30 p.m. and at the discretion of the supervisors for extended hours. Change in party registrations may be accepted. RSA 669:5

March 27 – April 5
Filing period for town office in those towns using non-partisan ballot system. Any candidate filing on last day must file in person. Clerks must be available between 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. on last day of filing period. RSA 669:19; 652:20

Declaration of candidacy. All candidates filing on last day must do so in person. RSA 669:19

SB2/RSA 40:13 OFFICIAL BALLOT REFERENDUM – 2024

March 8
Last day for submission of petitioned articles which proposes a bond governed by RSA 33:8-a. RSA 40:13 II-c. (b)

March 12
SB2 Town Election Day / Last day to Notice budget hearings. RSA 40:13 II-c. (a) / Last day for submission of petitioned articles. RSA 40:13 II-c. (b)

March 15
Last day to request a recount of votes cast for an office at SB2 March Town Election

March 19
Last day to request a recount of any question at SB2 March Town Election / Budget hearings. RSA 40:13 II-c. (c)

March 25 - Warrants under RSA 39:5 and RSA 197:7 and budgets shall be posted and copies available to the general public on or before the last Monday in March. RSA 40:13 II-c (d)

SB2 Petition Filing dates are listed. Other SB2 dates are dependent on local options, therefore are not listed.

TRADITIONAL TOWN MEETING WITH ALTERNATE ELECTION – 2024

Declaration of candidacy. All candidates filing on last day must do so in person. RSA 669:19

April 5
Last day for party caucus to nominate candidates for town office in towns using partisan system. RSA 669:39

April 9
Last day for 25 or more voters or 2% of the voters, whichever is less, in the town to petition selectmen to include a warrant article RSA 39:3

Last day for 25 or more voters or 2 percent of voters, whichever is less to petition selectmen to place referendum on ballot to increase or decrease membership of board of selectmen. RSA 41:8-b, 8-d

April 16
Last day for supervisors to post alternate town election checklist in town clerk's office or at town hall; notice of day, place, hour of upcoming checklist sessions must be posted with checklist. RSA 654:26, 669:5

April 26
Last day to publish notice of the May 4, 2024 session for correction of the checklist for town election in 2 appropriate places, one of which shall be the city or town’s website (if such exists) or published in a newspaper of general circulation. RSA 654:27; 669:5

April 29
Last day for selectmen to post warrant at all polling places and at town clerk's office and at town hall; warrant shall prescribe place, day, hour of election, the time polls are to open and the time before which polls may not close; warrant shall specify which items will be voted on by ballot. RSA 39:5, 669:2.

STATE PRIMARY ELECTION – 2024

April 15
Secretary of State to provide each state political committee the number of inspectors of election to be appointed for each town and ward. RSA 658:2

SB2/RSA 40:13 OFFICIAL BALLOT REFERENDUM – 2024

April 9
SB2 Town Election Day

April 12
Last day to request a recount of votes cast for an office at SB2 April Town Election

April 16
Last day to request a recount of any question at SB2 April Town Election

SB2 Petition Filing dates are listed. Other SB2 dates are dependent on local options, therefore are not listed.

TRADITIONAL TOWN MEETING WITH ALTERNATE ELECTION – 2024

May 4
Session of supervisors for corrections to the checklist. RSA 654:28; 669:5

Reports of transfer; reports of death; removal of names. RSA 654:36, 37, 44

May 10
Last day for supervisors to post final corrected checklist, on or before midnight. RSA 654:28

Certification of checklist, 2 copies filed with town clerk. RSA 654:28,29

May 13
Town clerk must be available to accept any completed absentee ballots filed in person, or delivered by an absentee voter’s delivery agent between 3:00 and 5:00 p.m. RSA 652:20; 669:29; 657:4; 657:17; 657:17-a; 657:24. The deadline for requesting that an absentee ballot be mailed to a voter is 12:00 p.m. (Noon) on the Monday before an election. RSA 657:15, I

May 14
Alternate Town Election Day. Voters may register to vote at polls on election day. RSA 39:1-a; 669:1; 654:7-a, 7-b

May 17
Last day for any person for whom a vote was cast to apply to town clerk for recount. Clerk must be available at least between 3:00 and 5:00 p.m. RSA 669:30; 652:20

May 21
Last day for 10 voters of a town to petition for clerk to recount ballots on any question printed on official ballot. Clerk must be available at least between 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. RSA 40:4-c; 652:20

STATE PRIMARY ELECTION – 2024

May 15 - July 15
Period for each state political committee to appoint inspectors of election. RSA 658:2

May 24
Last day for supervisors to post notice of session for correction of the checklist at the office of the town or city clerk or at town or city hall. RSA 654:33

May 24
Last day to publish notice of the June 4, 2024 session for correction of the checklist for town election in 2 appropriate places, one of which shall be the city or town’s website (if such exists) or published in a newspaper of general circulation. RSA 654:27

SB2/RSA 40:13 OFFICIAL BALLOT REFERENDUM – 2024

May 14
SB2 Town Election Day

May 17
Last day to request a recount of votes cast for an office at SB2 April Town Election

May 21
Last day to request a recount of any question at SB2 April Town Election

SB2 Petition Filing dates are listed. Other SB2 dates are dependent on local options, therefore are not listed.

STATE PRIMARY ELECTION – 2024

June 3
Last day for clerks to post Notice of Primary in 2 public places in the town or ward. RSA 655:11, 12 (Date set as June 3 so posting occurs prior to the beginning of filing period)

June 4
Supervisors to be in session for change of party registration between the hours of 7:00 - 7:30 p.m. and at the discretion of the supervisors for additional hours. Additions and corrections to checklist may be made. RSA 654:32

Last day for voters already registered to change or declare a party affiliation. Only undeclared voters may declare a party and vote on primary election day. RSA 654:34

Voters who register subsequent to this date may declare a party when they register. RSA 654:15

June 5 - 14
Filing period for all offices for state primary election. RSA 655:14; 652:20

Filing period for declarations of intent for all candidates who wish to file nomination papers to run as independents in general election. All candidates filing declarations of intent shall file with the Secretary of State. RSA 655:14-a, 17-a, 17-b, 17-c, 40-45

Declaration of Candidacy. RSA 655:17

Clerks to send declarations of candidacy to Secretary of State every day. In addition, the clerks shall provide to the Secretary of State, electronically, on a daily basis, a summary of filings. RSA 655:18

Administrative assessment fees, primary petitions, assents to candidacy. RSA 655:19-c, 21, 25

Examination and rejection of primary petitions. RSA 655:26

Forward of petitions and assents by clerks to Secretary of State, on same day they are received. RSA 655:27

Affidavit of qualifications. RSA 655:28, 29

Candidate shall designate a fiscal agent. RSA 664:12 Candidate may designate himself/herself as fiscal agent.

June 14
5:00 p.m. – Filing a declaration of candidacy or a declaration of intent with the Secretary of State on the last day of the filing period, must be done in person. RSA 655:15, 16, 652:20; 655:43, II

If a person must file a declaration of candidacy with a town or city clerk and is filing on the last day of filing period, he or she must do so in person. 655:15, 16

Any candidate who wishes to withdraw must do so in writing no later than 5:00 p.m. on the last day of the filing period with the Secretary of State. RSA 655:30

Disqualification of candidates. RSA 655:33, 38 / Death of candidate. RSA 655:34, 39

June 19
Deadline for candidates to file complaints that an opposing candidate is not a bona fide candidate (straw candidate) RSA 655:31

Last day for appropriate party committee to fill vacancy on party tickets. Affidavit of qualifications required for candidates for governor, executive councilor, state senator, and state representative. RSA 655:32

Last day to file supplemental primary petitions in case of rejected petitions. RSA 655:26

5:00 pm. - Report of receipts and expenditures due by political advocacy organizations, political committees, including the political committee of a political party and the political committee of a candidate . RSA 664:6, I; 664:21, IV

STATE PRIMARY ELECTION – 2024

July 15
Last day for state political committee chairmen to notify town or ward clerk and city clerk of inspector of election appointments. If committee fails to notify clerk, selectmen shall appoint inspectors in equal number from the political parties. RSA 658:2

July 27
Last day city or town clerks must mail or e-mail Write-In Ballots to UOCAVA voters for the primary. RSA 657:10-a

45 day deadline for city or town clerks to mail or email all ballots to UOCAVA voters for the primary who have a request on file. RSA 657:19

STATE PRIMARY ELECTION – 2024

August 1
Terms of inspectors of election chosen between May 15 and July 15 begin; Inspectors serve until successor is appointed and qualified. RSA 658:4

August 7 - September 6
Period for 5 percent of the voters of any town or city to petition Secretary of State to print liquor or sweepstakes sales questions on general election ballot. RSA 663:5, 7

August 7
5:00 p.m. - Deadline for persons or political organizations to file nomination papers with supervisors of the checklist for certification for placement on the general election ballot. Supervisors or a designee must be available between 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. RSA 655:40-a; 655:41; 652:20

August 9
Last day for city council to set polling hours in cities for primary election. RSA 659:4

August 13
Last day for supervisors to post copy of checklist for primary in the town or city clerk's office or at town or city hall; notice of day, place, hour of upcoming checklist sessions must be posted with checklist. RSA 654:26

August 21
5:00 p.m. - Report of receipts and expenditures due for political advocacy organizations, political committees, political committees of political parties and political committees of candidates, and candidates. RSA 664:6, II; 664:7, 664:21, IV

August 27
Last day for supervisors to prepare and post checklist for additional polling place; checklist must be posted in town or city clerk's office or at town or city hall and 2 copies to be filed with clerk. RSA 658:12

Last day Proof of Voter Identity Instructions Poster must be posted prominently in town and or ward. Poster must also be posted outside guardrail at all elections. RSA 658:9-a; 652:25

August 28
5:00 p.m. - Deadline for supervisors of the checklist to have nomination papers certified. RSA 655:41

Reports of transfer, reports of death, removal of names. RSA 654:36, 37, 44

*Notice of the next session for correction of checklist must be published at least 7 days prior to the session, in 2 appropriate places, one of which shall be the city or town’s website (if such exists) or published in a newspaper of general circulation. The session must be between 6-13 days prior to the election (August 28 - September 4). All sessions shall be 30 minutes with a notice of day, hour and place at the discretion of the supervisors. RSA 654:27; 669:5*

STATE PRIMARY ELECTION – 2024

September 3 - Last day for Secretary of State to deliver ballots to clerks. Ballots shall be inspected by town or city clerk in the presence of at least one other legal voter and resealed for use on election day. RSA 656:22

Last day Secretary of State may receive name of substitute candidate to be placed on ballot. RSA 656:21

September 4 - 5:00 p.m. - Deadline for persons or political organizations to file nomination papers with Secretary of State for general election. RSA 655:43; 652:20

5:00 p.m. - Report of receipts and expenditures due for political advocacy organizations, political committees, political committees of political parties, political committees of candidates, and candidates. RSA 664:6, II-a; 664:7, 664:21, IV

September 6 - Last day for supervisors to post final corrected checklist and certification of checklist. RSA 654:28, 29

Last day the Secretary of State can accept petitions for liquor or sweepstakes questions RSA 663:7, 663:5, 284:21-k

September 9
Town clerk must be available to accept any completed absentee ballots filed in person, or delivered by an absentee voter’s delivery agent between 3:00 and 5:00 p.m. RSA 652:20; 669:29; 657:4; 657:17; 657:17-a; 657:24. The deadline for requesting that an absentee ballot be mailed to a voter is 12:00 p.m. (Noon) on the Monday before an election. RSA 657:15, I

Last day for filing objections to nomination papers filed with Secretary of State. RSA 655:44

September 10 - State Primary Election Day. Voters may register at the polls on election day. RSA 653:8; 654:7-a, 7-b

1:00 p.m. – Processing of absentee ballots shall begin unless a different time that is no earlier than 2 hours after the opening of the polls is posted and announced in accordance with RSA 659:49, II. RSA 659:49

September 13 - 5:00 p.m. - Any candidate for whom a vote was cast in a primary to apply to Secretary of State for recount. RSA 660:2, 7

Any person voted for upon the ballot of any party who, by declaration of the Secretary of State upon recount, was not chosen as the candidate of such party may, within 3 days after said declaration appeal to the ballot law commission by filing a written appeal to the Secretary of State. RSA 665:6

Last day for any person who is nominated by the same political party for incompatible offices to notify the Secretary of State in writing of which nomination he or she will accept. RSA 659:91

September 16 - 5:00 p.m. - Deadline for any candidate who requested a recount to withdraw the request and receive a refund of any fees paid. RSA 660:7

September 17 - 5:00 p.m. - Last day a vacancy can be filled due to rejection of incompatible offices as provided in RSA 659:91. Declarations of candidacy and affidavits to be filed.

Last day persons nominated by write-in vote who wish to reject the nomination to notify the Secretary of State of said rejection in writing. RSA 659:90

*September 17, 2024 – October 29, 2024 STATE PARTY CONVENTIONS - RSA 667:21*

September 18 – 5:00 p.m. - Report of receipts and expenditures due. RSA 664:6, III; 664:7, 664:21, IV

September 19 - Ballot Law Commission shall meet to hear and decide any objections or appeals. RSA 665:5

September 20 - Last day for 5 legal voters of any city or town to petition Secretary of State to recount ballots cast on any question submitted to the voters of said city or town on the state primary election ballot. Fee of $10 per 1,000 ballots cast; not to exceed $50. RSA 660:13

September 21 - Last day city or town clerks must mail or email Write-In Ballots to UOCAVA voters for the general election. RSA 657:10-a. 45 day deadline for city or town clerks to mail or email all ballots to UOCAVA voters for the general election who have a request on file. RSA 657:19

STATE GENERAL ELECTION – 2024

October 4
Last day for city council to set polling hours in cities for general election. RSA 659:4

Last day for selectmen or city council to determine boundaries of communities to be served by additional polling places. RSA 658:10, 18

October 8
Last day for supervisors to post checklist for state general election in town or city clerk's office or at town or city hall; notice of day, hour of upcoming checklist sessions must be posted with checklist. RSA 654:26

October 16
5:00 p.m. - Report of receipts and expenditures due for all political committees and candidates. RSA 664:6

*Notice of next session for correction of the checklist must be published at least 7 days prior to the meeting in 2 appropriate places, one of which shall be the city or town’s website (if such exists) or published in a newspaper of general circulation. The session must be between 6-13 days prior to the election (October 22 – October 29). All sessions shall be 30 minutes with a notice of day, hour and place at the discretion of the supervisors. RSA 654:27; 669:5

Last day for town clerk/supervisors to accept voter registration applications. No additions or corrections shall be made to the checklist after this session, until election day, except as provided in RSA 659:12. RSA 654:8, II*

October 22
Last day for selectmen to post warrant for general election at all polling places and at town or city clerk's office or at town or city hall; warrant shall state offices and questions that will appear on ballot, location of central and any additional polling places, the hours of opening polls and the hour before which the polls may not close. RSA 658:1

Last day for supervisor to prepare and post checklist for additional polling place; checklist must be posted in town or city clerk's office or at town or city hall and 2 copies filed with the town clerk. RSA 658:12

October 29
Last day for Secretary of State to deliver general election ballots to clerks. Ballots shall be inspected by town or city clerk in the presence of at least one other legal voter and resealed for use on election day. RSA 656:20

Last day Secretary of State may receive name of substitute candidate to be placed on ballot. RSA 656:21

*September 17, 2024 – October 29, 2024 STATE PARTY CONVENTIONS - RSA 667:21*

October 30
5:00 p.m. - Report of receipts and expenditures due for all political committees and candidates. RSA 664:6, II-a

STATE GENERAL ELECTION – 2024

November 1
Last day for voters or supervisors to petition Ballot Law Commission for a revision and verification of checklist. RSA 654:38

Last day for supervisors to post final corrected checklist and certification of checklist. RSA 654:28, 29

November 4
Town clerk must be available to accept any completed absentee ballots filed in person, or delivered by an absentee voter’s delivery agent between 3:00 and 5:00 p.m. RSA 652:20; 669:29; 657:4; 657:17; 657:17-a; 657:24. The deadline for requesting that an absentee ballot be mailed to a voter is 12:00 p.m. (Noon) on the Monday before an election. RSA 657:15, I

November 5
State General Election Day. - Voters may register at the polls on election day. RSA 653:7; 654:7-a, 7-b

1:00 p.m. – Processing of absentee ballots shall begin unless a different time that is no earlier than 2 hours after the opening of the polls is posted and announced in accordance with RSA 659:49, II. RSA 659:49

Hours of polling. RSA 659:4

Moderator to fill out 2 copies of certificate showing total number of ballots received; clerk to certify one copy, which is then sent to the Secretary of State with election returns. RSA 658:32

State party committee and Attorney General may appoint challengers of voters. Such challengers shall be positioned in the polling place so that they may be able to see and hear each voter as he offers to vote. RSA 666:4, 664:5

Any person has the right to observe in-person voter registration. They may not be positioned within 5 feet of the voter registration table. The ballot clerk must publicly announce name and address of person registering. RSA 654:7-c
No person not authorized by law may stand or sit within 6 feet of the ballot clerk for purposes of observing the check-in of voters without the express permission of the moderator. RSA 659:13-a; 666:4,5

Write-in votes cast for candidates whose name is on ballot counted as vote for that candidate. RSA 659:64-a; 659:67

Moderator and clerk to certify that checklists are the ones used at that election; list then given to supervisors. RSA 659:56, 57

Election returns prepared by clerk; one copy kept by clerk and one copy should be given to the State Police to be delivered to the Secretary of State on election night. RSA 659:73-75, 76

Sealing and certifying of ballots. RSA 659:95, 96, 98

Ballots delivered to clerk for preservation. RSA 659:98-103

Secretary of State to notify candidates elected to incompatible offices; Candidate has 10 days to notify Secretary of State of which office he will accept. RSA 659:85

November 8
Last day for any candidate for whom a vote was cast in general election to apply to Secretary of State for recount. RSA 660:1

November 13
5:00 p.m. - Report of receipts and expenditures due for all political committees and candidates. RSA 664:6

November 15
Last day for 5 legal voters of any city or town to petition Secretary of State to recount ballots cast on any question other than a constitutional amendment submitted to the voters of said city or town on the state general election ballot; a fee of $10 per 1,000 ballots cast shall accompany the application, not to exceed $50. RSA 660:13

Last day for 50 voters of any county to petition Secretary of State to recount ballots cast on any question submitted to the voters of said county. RSA 660:12

November 25
Ballot Law Commission shall meet to hear and decide any objections or appeals. RSA 665:5

November 29
Last day for 100 voters to petition Secretary of State to recount the ballots cast on any constitutional amendment question voted on at the state general election. RSA 660:10

STATE GENERAL ELECTION – 2024

December 4
House and Senate Organization Day Part II, Art. 3, N.H. Constitution

December 15
Last day for person to contest the election of a state senator or state representative; letter must be sent by certified mail, postmarked by December 15. RSA 660:18

December 27
Last day for voters or supervisors to petition Ballot Law Commission for a revision and verification of checklist. RSA 654:38

TRADITIONAL TOWN MEETING WITH MARCH ELECTION – 2025

January 8
County officers assume office. RSA 653:10

Resumed meeting of the legislature. Part II, Art. 3, N.H. Constitution

Day for Secretary of State to lay the vote for Governor and Executive Councilors before the Senate and House of Representatives. Part II, Art. 42, 60, N.H. Constitution

January 11
Supervisors should post checklist showing party registration in town clerk's office or at town hall; checklist must show place and time for session for correction of the checklist. RSA 654:33

January 14
Last day to publish notice of the January 21, 2025 session for correction of the checklist for town election in 2 appropriate places, one of which shall be the city or town’s website (if such exists) or published in a newspaper of general circulation. RSA 654:27; 669:5

January 21
Supervisors must hold session for correction of checklist from 7:00 - 7:30 p.m. and at the discretion of the supervisors for extended hours. Change in party registration may be accepted. RSA 669:5

January 22 – January 31
Filing period for town office in town using non-partisan ballot system. Candidates filing on last day must file in person. Clerk to be available between 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. on last day. RSA 669:19, 652:20

Declarations of candidacy. All candidates filing on last day must do so in person. RSA 669:19

January 31
Last day for party caucus to nominate candidates in towns using partisan ballot system. RSA 669:39

SB2/RSA 40:13 OFFICIAL BALLOT REFERENDUM – 2025

January 10
Last day for submission of petitioned articles which proposes a bond governed by RSA 33:8-a. RSA 40:13 II-a. (b)

January 14
Last day to Notice budget hearings. RSA 40:13 II-a. (a)

Last day for submission of petitioned articles. RSA 40:13 II-a. (b)

January 21
Budget hearings. RSA 40:13 II-a. (c)

January 27
Warrants under RSA 39:5 and RSA 197:7 and budgets shall be posted and copies available to the general public on or before the last Monday in January. RSA 40:13 II-a (d)

SB2 Petition Filing dates are listed. Other SB2 dates are dependent on local options, therefore are not listed.

TRADITIONAL TOWN MEETING WITH MARCH ELECTION – 2025

February 4
Last day for 2 percent of voters of a town to petition selectmen to place referendum on ballot to increase or decrease membership of board of selectmen. RSA 41:8-b, 8-d

Last day for 25 or more voters or 2% of the voters, whichever is less, in the town to petition selectmen to include warrant article. RSA 39:3

February 11
Last day for supervisors to post town election checklist at town clerks office or at town hall; notice of day, hour and place of upcoming checklist sessions must be posted with checklist. RSA 654:26, 669:5

February 21
Last day to publish notice of March 1, 2025 session for correction of checklist for town election in 2 appropriate places, one of which shall be the city or town’s website (if such exists) or published in a newspaper of general circulation. RSA 654:27; 669:5

February 24
Last day for selectmen to post warrant at all polling places and at the town clerk's office and at town hall; warrant shall prescribe place, time of election, the time the polls are to open and the time before which polls may not close; warrant shall specify which items will be voted on by ballot. RSA 39:5; 669:2

SB2/RSA 40:13 OFFICIAL BALLOT REFERENDUM – 2025

February 7
Last day for submission of petitioned articles which proposes a bond governed by RSA 33:8-a. RSA 40:13 II-b (b)

February 11
Last day to Notice budget hearings. RSA 40:13 II-b. (a)

Last day for submission of petitioned articles. RSA 40:13 II-b. (b)

February 18
Budget hearings. RSA 40:13 II-b. (c)

February 24
Warrants under RSA 39:5 and RSA 197:7 and budgets shall be posted and copies available to the general public on or before the last Monday in February. RSA 40:13 II-b (d)

STATE GENERAL ELECTION – 2024

February 3, 2025
Last day for supervisors to send one copy of marked checklist from General Election to State Archives. RSA 659:102

SB2 Petition Filing dates are listed. Other SB2 dates are dependent on local options, therefore are not listed.

TRADITIONAL TOWN MEETING WITH MARCH ELECTION – 2025

March 1
Session of supervisors for corrections to the checklist. RSA 654:28; 669:5

Reports of transfer; reports of death; removal of names. RSA 654:36, 37, 44

March 7
Last day for supervisors to post final corrected checklist, on or before midnight. RSA 654:28

Certification of checklist, 2 copies filed with town clerk. RSA 654:28, 29

March 10
Town clerk must be available to accept any completed absentee ballots filed in person, or delivered by an absentee voter’s delivery agent between 3:00 and 5:00 p.m. RSA 652:20; 669:29; 657:4; 657:17; 657:17-a; 657:24. The deadline for requesting that an absentee ballot be mailed to a voter is 12:00 p.m. (Noon) on the Monday before an election. RSA 657:15, I

March 11
Town Election Day. - Voters may register at the polls on election day. RSA 39:1; 669:1; 654:7-a, 7-b

March 14
Last day for any person for whom a vote was cast to apply to town clerk for a recount. Clerk must be available at least between 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. RSA 669:30; 652:20

March 18
Last day for 10 voters of a town to petition clerk to recount ballots on any question printed on official ballot. Clerk must be available at least between 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. RSA 40:4-c; 652:20

TRADITIONAL TOWN MEETING WITH ALTERNATE ELECTION – 2025

March 7
Supervisors should post checklist showing party registration in town clerk's office or at town hall; checklist must show place and time for session for correction of the checklist. RSA 654:33

March 11
Last day to publish notice of the March 18, 2025 session for correction of the checklist for town election in 2 appropriate places, one of which shall be the city or town’s website (if such exists) or published in a newspaper of general circulation. RSA 654:27; 669:5

March 18
Supervisors must hold session for correction of checklist from 7:00 - 7:30 p.m. and at the discretion of the supervisors for extended hours. Change in party registrations may be accepted. RSA 669:5

March 19 – March 28
Filing period for town office in towns using non-partisan ballot system. Candidates who file on the last day must file in person. Clerks must be available between 3 - 5 p.m. RSA 669:19, 652:20

Declaration of candidacy. All candidates filing on the last day must do so in person. RSA 669:19

March 28
Last day for party caucus to nominate candidates in towns using partisan ballot system. RSA 669:39

SB2/RSA 40:13 OFFICIAL BALLOT REFERENDUM – 2025

March 7
Last day for submission of petitioned articles which proposes a bond governed by RSA 33:8-a. RSA 40:13 II-c. (b)

March 11
SB2 Town Election Day / Last day to Notice budget hearings. RSA 40:13 II-c. (a) / Last day for submission of petitioned articles. RSA 40:13 II-c. (b)

March 14
Last day to request a recount of votes cast for an office at SB2 March Election

March 18
Last day to request a recount of any question at SB2 March Town Election / Budget hearings. RSA 40:13 II-c. (c)

March 31
Warrants under RSA 39:5 and RSA 197:7 and budgets shall be posted and copies available to the general public on or before the last Monday in March. RSA 40:13 II-c (d)

SB2 Petition Filing dates are listed. Other SB2 dates are dependent on local options, therefore are not listed.

TRADITIONAL TOWN MEETING WITH ALTERNATE ELECTION – 2025

April 1
Last day for 25 or more voters or 2% of the voters, whichever is less, in the town to petition selectmen to include warrant article. RSA 39:3

Last day for 2 percent of voters of a town to petition selectmen to place referendum on ballot to increase or decrease membership of board of selectmen. RSA 41:8-b, 8-d

April 8
Last day for supervisors to post alternate town election checklist in town clerk's office or at town hall; notice of day, place, hour of upcoming checklist session must be posted with the checklist. RSA 654:26, 669:5

April 18
Last day to publish notice of the April 26, 2025 session for correction of the checklist for town election in 2 appropriate places, one of which shall be the city or town’s website (if such exists) or published in a newspaper of general circulation. RSA 654:27; 669:5

April 21
Last day for selectmen to post warrant at all polling places and at town clerk's office or at town hall. Warrant shall prescribe place, time of election, the time polls are to open and the time before which they may not close; warrant shall specify which items will be voted on by ballot. RSA 39:5; 669:2

April 26
Session of supervisors for corrections to the checklist. RSA 654:28; 669:5

Reports of transfer; reports of death; removal of names. RSA 654:36, 37, 44

SB2/RSA 40:13 OFFICIAL BALLOT REFERENDUM – 2025

April 8
SB2 April Town Election

April 11
Last day to request a recount of votes cast for an office at SB2 April Town Elections

April 15
Last day to request a recount of any question at SB2 April Town Election

SB2 Petition Filing dates are listed. Other SB2 dates are dependent on local options, therefore are not listed.

TRADITIONAL TOWN MEETING WITH ALTERNATE ELECTION – 2025

May 5
Last day for candidates, parties and committees with outstanding debt, obligation, or surplus from general election to file reports of receipts and expenditures if they have not registered for the 2026 election cycle. RSA 664:6, 7

May 9
Last day for supervisors to post final corrected checklist, on or before midnight. RSA 654:28

Certification of checklist, 2 copies filed with town clerk. RSA 654:28, 29

May 12
Town clerk must be available to accept any completed absentee ballots filed in person, or delivered by an absentee voter’s delivery agent between 3:00 and 5:00 p.m. RSA 652:20; 669:29; 657:4; 657:17; 657:17-a; 657:24. The deadline for requesting that an absentee ballot be mailed to a voter is 12:00 p.m. (Noon) on the Monday before an election. RSA 657:15, I

May 13
Alternate Town Election Day - Voters may register at polls on election day. RSA 39:1-a; 669:1; 654:7-a, 7-b

May 16
Last day for any person for whom a vote was cast to apply to town clerk for a recount. Clerk must be available at least between 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. RSA 669:30; 652:20

May 20
Last day for 10 voters of a town to petition clerk to recount ballots on any question printed on official ballot. Clerk must be available at least between 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. RSA 40:4-c; 652:20

SB2/RSA 40:13 OFFICIAL BALLOT REFERENDUM – 2025

May 13
SB2 May Town Election

May 16
Last day to request a recount of votes cast for an office at SB2 May Town Elections

May 20
Last day to request a recount of any question at SB2 May Town Election

SB2 Petition Filing dates are listed. Other SB2 dates are dependent on local options, therefore are not listed.

STATE GENERAL ELECTION – 2026

June 4, 2025
Receipt and Expenditure report due for all committees which have registered for the 2026 election cycle. RSA 664:6

STATE GENERAL ELECTION – 2026

December 3, 2025
Receipt and Expenditure report due for all committees which have registered for the 2026 election cycle. RSA 664:6

ELECTION LAWS FOR ELECTION DAY

State Primary Specific

Conduct of primary same as general election. RSA 655:35

Change of party affiliation permitted. Undeclared voters may declare party and vote and may upon leaving the voting place change their party affiliation back to undeclared by completing the card or signing the list provided for that purpose. Declared voters may change party, but may not vote. RSA 654:34; 659:14

Voter announces party affiliation as well as name to obtain proper ballot. RSA 659:14

Voter must present valid photo identification. Voter’s identify may be verified by a moderator, supervisor of the checklist, or the town or city clerk. RSA 659:13

Declaration of result made as soon after primary as possible. Secretary of State to notify write-in winners. RSA 659:89

Any voter may challenge any other voter declaring a party affiliation. Moderator shall obtain oath of voter that he affiliates with that party. RSA 659:29

Votes cast for same candidate on different party ballots are not added together. RSA 659:69

All Elections

Hours of Polling. RSA 659:3, 3-a, 4, 6, 8

Moderator to fill out 2 copies of certificate showing total number of ballots received; clerk to certify one copy, which is then sent to Secretary of State with election returns. RSA 658:32

Moderator and clerk to certify that checklist are the ones used at that election; checklist then given to supervisors. RSA 659:56, 57

Election returns prepared by moderator; one copy kept by clerk, and one copy should be given to the State Police to be delivered to the Secretary of State on election night. RSA 659:73-76

Sealing and certifying of ballots. RSA 659:95, 96, 98

Availability of checklist before election. RSA 654:31

Certification of checklist. Two copies filed with town or city clerk. RSA 654:29

Clerk to deliver absentee ballots to moderator prior to closing of polls or time set for processing absentee ballots. RSA 657:23

Absentee Ballot Lists, who may request. RSA 657:15, II, III-a

Arrangement of polling place. RSA 658:9

Handicapped Accessibility. RSA 658:9-a

Conduct of election at additional polling place same as central polling place. RSA 658:16

Absences among election officials; how filled. RSA 658:19-23

Disqualification of certain election officials. RSA 658:24

Moderator to designate two inspectors of election, one from each party, as ballot clerks. RSA 658:2, 25

Sample ballots posted in polling place. RSA 658:26

Voter instruction cards to be posted in each voting booth and at least 3 outside guardrail. RSA 658:28

Selectmen to post copies of certain statutes in polling place. RSA 658:29, 29-a

City or town clerk to deliver ballots prior to the opening of the polls. RSA 658:30

Ballots counted in the presence of the clerk and moderator prior to opening of polls. RSA 658:31

Clerk to seal ballots, 2 duplicate checklists in presence of moderator and selectmen for delivery to additional polling place. RSA 658:33

Pasters, if authorized, delivered by clerk to moderator; pasters affixed to ballots. RSA 658:34

If ballots do not arrive, clerk to prepare unofficial ballots. RSA 658:35

Ballot box inspected publicly prior to opening of polls and shown to be empty. RSA 658:36 For those municipalities with electronic counting devices, the zero tape(s) must be produced.

Moderator to secure observance of voting procedure laws. RSA 659:9; 659:60

Supervisors attendance required at all elections where checklist is used. RSA 659:10

Obtaining a ballot. Voter must present valid photo identification. Voter’s identity may also be verified by a moderator, supervisor of the checklist, or the clerk of the town, city or ward. RSA 659:13

Conduct of voting at additional polling place same as at central polling place. RSA 659:11

Persons entitled to vote are those whose name is on checklist; persons omitted by clerical errors; persons domiciled in town or ward; uniformed and overseas voters. RSA 654:7-a, 7-b; RSA 659:12

Upon receipt of ballot from ballot clerk the voter proceeds to voting booth without leaving guardrail. RSA 659:15

Number of voters within guardrail not to exceed number of voting booths. RSA 659:16

Voter marks ballot. RSA 659:17

Voter may vote on all questions. RSA 659:19

Voters requiring assistance shall be given assistance after the moderator has informed the voter of the accessible voting options available at the polling place. Assistants shall thereafter be sworn to give out no information about the voter. RSA 659:20

The polling place must be accessible. Voters appearing at the polling place and who declare to the moderator, under oath, that they are unable to access the polling place because of a disability, shall, upon the voter’s request, have the required documents delivered to the voter outside the guardrail, which shall be processed as an absentee ballot. RSA 659:20-a

Any voter who requires assistance to vote by reason of blindness, disability, or inability to read or write may be given assistance by a person of the voter’s choice, other than the voter’s employer or agent of that employer or officer or agent of the voter’s union. 52 USCS §10508

If voter spoils ballot, he/she may obtain other ballots not to exceed 3. Spoiled ballot shall be marked "cancelled" and be preserved with other ballots. RSA 659:22

Voter folds ballot, hands to moderator who drops it in ballot box; town clerk checks off voter's name. In cities and towns that use an electronic ballot counting device, voters shall insert their ballot into the machine to be counted. Privacy envelopes should be made available to any voter requesting same. RSA 659:23, I, II

Clerks are authorized to provide additional ballots if the supply of official election day ballots become exhausted before the closing of the polls. RSA 659:24

Moderator to determine time allowed in voting booth. RSA 659:25

Voters not readmitted into guardrail after voting. RSA 659:26

If hours of polling are extended by federal or state court order, ballots cast during the extended time period are to be marked “EH”. RSA 659:26-a

Any voter may challenge any other voter's right to vote; moderator to obtain oath from voter so challenged. RSA 659:27; 654:7-c

Person making a challenge must complete a signed affidavit. 659:27-a

Town Clerk to record challenge of voter affidavits; names and domicile of voters challenged and challengers. RSA 659:32

Intention of voter determined by majority of election officials; a ballot for any office not receiving a majority vote is considered defective for that office. RSA 659:64, 65

Electioneering by election officials prohibited while performing official duties. RSA 659:44, 44-a

Absentee voter who dies prior to election day shall not have his/her ballot opened. RSA 659:48

Procedure for processing absentee ballots. RSA 659:49-54

Absentee voter whose ballot has been cast may not vote in person. RSA 659:55

Disqualification of officials from counting votes. RSA 659:58

Moderator, or moderator pro tempore, to oversee count. RSA 659:60

Optional counting of votes at additional polling place. RSA 659:59

Ballots counted after absentee ballots are processed after polls are closed. RSA 659:61

Voting materials sealed and returned from additional polling place. RSA 659:62

Counting to be public, but within guardrail. RSA 659:63

Announcing result. RSA 659:70

One copy of marked checklist used in election, certified by the officers shall be sent to the state archives after the Presidential Primary Election and the General Election. RSA 659:102

Correcting standard data files from checklist used at election. RSA 654:30

Ballots delivered to clerk for preservation. Exempted from Right to Know Law. RSA 31-a; RSA 659:98-103; 659:95, II; 660:16, II; 669:33,II

2024-2025 Political Calendar

Election Dates and Deadlines

Contact Us