New Hampshire Towns To Review Voter Checklists; Some Inactive Voters Must Re-Register In 2026

CONCORD, NH — New Hampshire voters who have not voted in any election during the past five years may need to re-register before casting a ballot in future elections under the state’s annual voter checklist verification process.

Secretary of State David Scanlan said last week the review is required by RSA 654:39. Under that law, supervisors of the checklist and registrars in each city and town must hold public sessions through Aug. 1, 2026, to identify voters who have not voted in the past five years and who have not registered since the 2024 State General Election.

Those voters must re-register to remain on the voter checklist and vote in future elections. Local checklist officials are responsible for adding and removing names from their city or town voter checklist.

“Our local election officials work hard every day to ensure that qualified voters in their communities are given the opportunity to exercise their right to vote,” Scanlan said. “I applaud their efforts and encourage all New Hampshire voters to verify their registration information is up to date.”

Before a voter’s name can be removed, supervisors of the checklist must notify that voter at least 30 days in advance, according to the announcement. The notice will inform the voter that their name will be removed from the checklist and that they need to re-register by following the instructions in the letter or postcard. The release states that officials are required by law to remove those voters from the checklist no earlier than June 1, even if they know the voter still lives in town.

People who have permanently moved out of town do not need to respond to the letter because they will be removed from the checklist, according to the announcement. Voters who want to review their status can visit app.sos.nh.gov to check their voter registration information, if they are active voters, and find local clerk contact information.

The state primary election is scheduled for Sept. 8, 2026. More information about registering to vote is available through the New Hampshire Secretary of State’s elections page at www.sos.nh.gov/elections.