Can Felons Vote in New Hampshire?
Yes, you can vote in New Hampshire with a felony conviction as long as you are not currently in jail or prison for a felony. You can vote while on probation, parole, or a suspended sentence. Register at your town or city clerk's office, or on Election Day at your polling place.
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Overview
New Hampshire restores voting rights automatically upon release from incarceration. Under RSA 607-A:2, a person sentenced for a felony loses the right to vote only while incarcerated. People on probation, parole, or suspended sentences can vote — the statute defines 'final discharge' as release from incarceration and explicitly includes people on probation or parole as finally discharged for voting purposes. New Hampshire allows same-day voter registration on Election Day at your polling place. There is no waiting period, no application for rights restoration, and no fee.
Quick Answer
Yes, you can vote in New Hampshire with a felony conviction as long as you are not currently in jail or prison for a felony. You can vote while on probation, parole, or a suspended sentence. Register at your town or city clerk's office, or on Election Day at your polling place.
Can vote
- ✓Released from incarceration for a felony (even if released recently)
- ✓On parole after commitment to imprisonment
- ✓On probation for a felony conviction
- ✓Serving a suspended sentence (not incarcerated)
- ✓Sentence fully completed
- ✓Received a pardon from the Governor and Executive Council
- ✓Convicted of a misdemeanor (misdemeanor convictions do not affect voting rights)
- ✓In jail awaiting trial (pretrial detention — not yet convicted of a felony)
Cannot vote
- ✗Currently incarcerated in a state or federal prison for a felony conviction
- ✗Currently incarcerated in a county jail serving a felony sentence
Step-by-Step Process
Confirm your eligibility
You can vote if you are not currently incarcerated for a felony conviction. If you are on probation, parole, or a suspended sentence, you are eligible to vote. Upon release from incarceration, the correctional facility is required to provide you written notice that you may vote. If you did not receive this notice, you are still eligible — contact the Secretary of State's office at (603) 271-3242.
Register to vote
Register to vote at your town or city clerk's office. New Hampshire does not offer online voter registration. You can register in person at the clerk's office during business hours, or with the supervisors of the checklist during their posted sessions. You will need to provide proof of citizenship, age, and domicile (residence). Acceptable forms of identification include a driver's license, passport, birth certificate, or other qualifying document.
Use same-day registration if needed
New Hampshire allows same-day voter registration at your polling place on Election Day. If you miss the pre-election registration deadline, you can show up at your polling place with proof of identity and domicile, register, and vote on the same day. You may also register during the supervisors of the checklist session held before each election.
Verify your polling place
Find your polling place by contacting your town or city clerk, or visiting the Secretary of State's website. Polling places are assigned based on your domicile (residence). Verify your polling location before Election Day to avoid delays.
Vote in person or by absentee ballot
Vote in person at your assigned polling place on Election Day. You will need to show a photo ID — if you don't have one, you can sign an affidavit and still vote. You can also vote by absentee ballot if you qualify (absence from town on Election Day, disability, religious observance, or employment during all polling hours). Request an absentee ballot from your town or city clerk.
Stay registered and keep your information current
Once registered, you remain on the voter checklist unless you move, change your name, or are removed for inactivity. If you move within New Hampshire, re-register at your new town or city clerk's office. Contact your clerk if your name or other information changes.
Key Laws
| Law | Year | Description |
|---|---|---|
| RSA 607-A:2 — Rights Lost | Enacted as part of Uniform Act on Status of Convicted Persons | The primary statute governing voting rights for people with felony convictions. Provides that a person sentenced for a felony may not vote from the time of sentence until final discharge, but defines 'final discharge' as release from incarceration. Explicitly provides that people on probation or parole are considered 'finally discharged' for voting purposes. Requires correctional facilities to provide written notice of voting rights upon release. |
| RSA 607-A:1 — Rights Retained | Enacted as part of Uniform Act on Status of Convicted Persons | Establishes that except as specifically provided, a person convicted of a crime retains all rights — political, personal, civil, and otherwise — including the right to vote, hold public office, enter contracts, sue and be sued, and hold and transfer property. This broad retention of rights means only incarceration itself triggers the loss of voting rights. |
| RSA 607-A:5 — Restoration Certificates | Enacted as part of Uniform Act on Status of Convicted Persons | Provides that upon discharge after completion of sentence or service under probation or parole, the person receives an order, certificate, or other instrument stating that the defendant's rights to vote and hold public office are restored. This creates a formal record of rights restoration. |
| New Hampshire Constitution, Part I, Article 11 | 1784 (amended) | Establishes the fundamental right of suffrage in New Hampshire. Combined with the statutory framework, it provides that eligible voters are those who are U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old, domiciled in New Hampshire, and not currently disqualified by law. |
Edge Cases
Can I vote while on parole in New Hampshire?
Yes. Under RSA 607-A:2, a person on parole is considered 'finally discharged' for voting purposes. You can register and vote while on parole. The correctional facility is required to provide you written notice of this right upon release.
Can I vote while on probation for a felony in New Hampshire?
Yes. RSA 607-A:2 explicitly provides that people on probation can vote. Whether your sentence was suspended with probation or you are on probation after serving time, you have the right to vote during the period of probation.
Can I vote if I was convicted of a felony in another state but now live in New Hampshire?
Yes, as long as you are not currently incarcerated for a felony conviction. If you are a New Hampshire resident and not in prison or jail for a felony, you can register to vote in New Hampshire regardless of where your conviction occurred.
I did not receive written notice of my voting rights upon release. Am I still eligible?
Yes. While RSA 607-A:2 requires the correctional facility to provide written notice of voting rights upon release, the failure to provide such notice does not affect your eligibility. Your right to vote is restored by operation of law upon release from incarceration, regardless of whether you received notification.
Do I need to pay fines or restitution before I can vote in New Hampshire?
No. New Hampshire does not require payment of fines, fees, or restitution as a condition of voting. Your right to vote is restored upon release from incarceration, regardless of any outstanding financial obligations. You can vote while on probation or parole even if you have unpaid fines or restitution.
What if I don't have a photo ID — can I still vote?
Yes. While New Hampshire requires voters to present a photo ID at the polls, if you do not have one, you can sign a challenged voter affidavit and still cast a regular ballot. Acceptable photo IDs include a driver's license, passport, military ID, or other government-issued photo ID. A free voter ID card is also available from your town or city clerk.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I vote in New Hampshire if I have a felony conviction?
- Yes, as long as you are not currently incarcerated for a felony. Your right to vote is restored upon release from prison or jail. You can vote while on parole, probation, or a suspended sentence. There is no waiting period, no application, and no fee.
- How do I register to vote in New Hampshire after a felony conviction?
- Register at your town or city clerk's office during business hours, or with the supervisors of the checklist during their posted sessions. You will need proof of citizenship, age, and domicile. New Hampshire does not offer online voter registration, but you can register on Election Day at your polling place.
- Can I vote while on parole or probation in New Hampshire?
- Yes. New Hampshire law (RSA 607-A:2) explicitly provides that people on probation and parole are considered 'finally discharged' for voting purposes. You can register and vote while under supervision.
- Can I register to vote on Election Day in New Hampshire?
- Yes. New Hampshire allows same-day voter registration at your polling place on Election Day. Bring proof of identity and domicile (such as a driver's license with your current address). If you don't have a photo ID, you can sign a challenged voter affidavit.
- Do I need to pay fines before I can vote?
- No. New Hampshire does not require payment of fines, fees, or restitution as a condition of voting. Your right to vote is restored upon release from incarceration regardless of outstanding financial obligations.
- Does New Hampshire have online voter registration?
- No. New Hampshire does not currently offer online voter registration. You must register in person at your town or city clerk's office, with the supervisors of the checklist, or on Election Day at your polling place. You can obtain voter registration forms from the Secretary of State's website.
- Can I vote by absentee ballot in New Hampshire with a felony record?
- Yes, if you meet the absentee ballot qualifications. New Hampshire allows absentee voting for voters who will be absent from town on Election Day, have a disability, have a religious observance, or are employed during all polling hours. Request an absentee ballot from your town or city clerk. There is no restriction on absentee voting based on criminal history.
- Will the prison notify me that I can vote when I am released?
- Yes. Under RSA 607-A:2, the correctional facility is required to provide written notice to people released from incarceration for a felony that they may vote during probation or parole. However, even if you do not receive this notice, your right to vote is still restored upon release.
- What identification do I need to vote in New Hampshire?
- New Hampshire requires a photo ID at the polls. Acceptable IDs include a driver's license, passport, military ID, or other government-issued photo ID. A student ID from a New Hampshire institution is also accepted. If you don't have a photo ID, you can sign a challenged voter affidavit and still vote, or obtain a free voter ID card from your town or city clerk.
- Can I run for public office in New Hampshire with a felony conviction?
- Yes. Under RSA 607-A:1, a person convicted of a crime retains all rights including the right to hold public office, except during incarceration. Upon release, your right to hold office is restored along with voting rights. RSA 607-A:5 provides for a formal certificate confirming restoration of these rights.
Take Action — Direct Links
- New Hampshire Secretary of State — Incarcerated Felons and Voting
Official state page explaining voting eligibility for people with felony convictions, including the right to vote upon release and during probation/parole.
- New Hampshire Secretary of State — Register to Vote
Official page with voter registration instructions, forms, and deadlines. Includes information on same-day Election Day registration and where to find your town or city clerk.
- ACLU of New Hampshire — Know Your Rights: Voting if Formerly or Currently Incarcerated
Know-your-rights guide explaining voting eligibility for formerly and currently incarcerated people in New Hampshire, with practical steps for registering to vote.
- Campaign Legal Center — Restore Your Vote (New Hampshire)
Interactive tool that walks you through New Hampshire's specific rules to help determine if you are eligible to register to vote after a felony conviction.
- Vote.gov — Voting After a Felony Conviction
Federal resource with state-by-state information on voting rights after a felony conviction, including links to New Hampshire-specific information.
- New Hampshire General Court — RSA 607-A (Full Chapter)
Full text of the Uniform Act on Status of Convicted Persons, including the sections on rights lost, rights retained, and restoration certificates.
Video Guides
Sources
- New Hampshire Secretary of State — Incarcerated Felons
- New Hampshire RSA 607-A:2 — Rights Lost
- ACLU of New Hampshire — Know Your Rights: Voting
- US Vote Foundation — New Hampshire Voting Rights Restoration
- Ballotpedia — Voting in New Hampshire
- New Hampshire Secretary of State — Register to Vote
- New Hampshire General Court — RSA Chapter 607-A
- NCSL — Felon Voting Rights by State