Portsmouth Ready for Voter ID

This past spring, New Hampshire legislators passed a controversial Voter ID bill and then overrode Gov. Lynch's veto.

Next month, voters will get their first glimpse on the new procedures associated with the law as the state begins to phase in photo identification requirements over a period of time.

The Portsmouth Supervisors of the checklist released the following explanatory document, which is required under the “Voter ID” law as part of the process of educating the public about the law’s requirements and application and outlines the law’s requirements for 2012:

What type of photo ID will I need in order to vote?

For any election before Sept. 1, 2013, you will be asked to provide one of the following:

• Driver’s license issued by any state (even if expired);
• ID card issued by NH DMV (Division of Motor Vehicles);
• U.S. Armed Services ID card;
• U.S. Passport (even if expired);
• Valid photo ID card issued by either the federal government or a state, county or municipal government;
• Valid student ID card
• Other photo ID deemed legitimate by the supervisors of the checklist, the moderator, or the clerk; or
• Verification of identity by a supervisor of the checklist, the moderator or the clerk.

What if I do not have an approved photo ID?

Before November 1, 2012, any voter who does not present an approved photo ID will be informed of the new law and permitted to vote.

Between November 1, 2012 and September 1, 2013, any voter who does not present an approved photo ID will be permitted to vote after executing a “challenged voter affidavit.”

A voter who does not have an approved photo ID may obtain a free photo ID for voting purposes only by presenting a voucher from their town/city clerk or the Secretary of State to any NH DMV office that issues identification.

Is there any post-election action required by me after I vote without an approved photo ID?

After November 1, 2012, if you filled out a “challenged voter affidavit” in order to vote on Election Day, you will receive a verification letter from the Secretary of State, requesting confirmation that you voted in the election. If you do not respond in writing to the Secretary of State within 90 days of the date it was mailed, the Attorney General will conduct an investigation to determine whether fraudulent voting occurred.

For more information, contact City Clerk Kelli Barnaby at the Portsmouth City Hall.