What time do polling places close in New Hampshire? NH state closing times in the US Election 2024

With the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election upon us, New Hampshire voters are getting ready to head to the polls on Tuesday, Nov. 5. This guide outlines polling hours, what you need to bring to vote, and other key information to help ensure a smooth experience on Election Day itself.

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Polling hours in New Hampshire

On Election Day, polling place hours in New Hampshire vary by municipality. State law requires that polls be open between 11:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time, but local jurisdictions may set their own hours within this timeframe. Some polling places open as early as 6:00 a.m. To find the specific hours for your polling location, use the Voter Information Lookup tool provided by the New Hampshire Secretary of State’s office.

What to bring to vote in New Hampshire

New Hampshire law requires voters to present a valid photo ID at the polls. Acceptable forms of identification include:

- A driver’s license issued by any state or the federal government

- A non-driver ID card issued by any state or the federal government

- A U.S. armed services identification card

- A U.S. passport or passcard

- A valid student identification card

- A photo ID issued by the federal government or the State of New Hampshire

If you do not have an acceptable photo ID, you may sign a challenged voter affidavit and have your photograph taken at the polling place. This allows you to vote, but you will receive a letter requesting confirmation of your identity after the election. Failure to respond to this letter may result in your vote not being counted.

Expected wait times and tips for a smooth voting experience

Line lengths can vary depending on the time of day and the location. Here’s a general guide:

Early Morning: Many people vote early, so lines can be longer right when polling places open. If you can, avoid the 7 a.m - 8 a.m. slot.

Midday (10 a.m. - 3 p.m.): Lines are often shorter, as this period sees fewer voters. If you have a flexible schedule, this is usually the best time to avoid long waits. That said, there is usually an increase between 11:30 and 1:30 p.m. so if you can avoid that two hour slot.

Late Afternoon and Evening (3 p.m. - 7 p.m.): Crowds tend to increase as people leave work, so lines can grow longer as polling places near closing. 5 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. is usually the busiest.

To make your voting experience easier:

Other useful information for New Hampshire voters

Absentee Voting Deadlines: The deadline to request an absentee ballot by mail has passed. If you have already received an absentee ballot, it must be returned to your local election authority by 5:00 p.m. on Election Day, November 5, 2024. Ballots can be returned by mail or in person.

Provisional Ballots: If there is an issue with your registration or identification at the polling place, you may cast a provisional ballot. These ballots are counted once your eligibility is confirmed.

Voter Assistance Hotline: For any questions or concerns on Election Day, contact the New Hampshire Secretary of State’s office at 1-603-271-3242.

Key takeaways for voting in New Hampshire on Election Day

To ensure you’re prepared for voting in the 2024 Presidential Election in New Hampshire :