Somersworth voting details: Absentee ballots, registration, poll locations

SOMERSWORTH — With the primary election coming Sept. 8 and general election in November, the city has announced information for residents on absentee ballots, registering to vote and voting poll locations for those who choose to vote in person.

Absentee ballots

Applications to receive absentee ballots for the September 8, 2020 statewide primary election are now available in the Somersworth city clerk’s office by visiting the City Hall drive-through window or on the city’s website at Somersworth.com.

Any registered voter who will be out of town on Election Day, or who cannot make it to the polls because of disability, religious observance, due to employment obligations (for the purpose of an absentee ballot request, the term “employment” shall include the care of children and infirm adults, with or without compensation), or any reason relating to COVID-19, may request an absentee ballot from Somersworth.com (city clerk’s tab), in person via drive-up window, or by mail. Forms can also be downloaded from the Secretary of State’s website: at sos.nh.gov.

The city clerk’s office hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Voter registration

The supervisors of the checklist will be in session Thursday, Aug. 27 from 7 to 7:30 p.m. to accept new voter registrations or changes in name/address in preparation for the Sept. 8 primary election.

Voters can also register at the drive-thru city clerk or by mail in advance of the elections. Voters can also register in person on Election Day and vote the same day.

No change of party affiliation shall be accepted until after the Sept. 8 state primary election. Reports of transfer and reports of death of names on the checklist will be allowed.

Physically disabled individuals who are unable to visit City Hall to personally register to vote should contact the city clerk’s office no later than Thursday, Aug. 27.

Needed documents for registering in person: Applicants for voter registrations will need proof of identity, age, citizenship, and domicile at the time of registration. Qualified applicants who do not possess proof or who do not bring proof with them may register if they sign an affidavit attesting to their qualifications for identity, age, and citizenship.

Poll locations

Voting in Somersworth will be held for the primary Sept. 8 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. with new locations for Wards 3 and 4.

Here are all the locations:

Ward 1 – City Hall, 1 Government Way

Ward 2 – Summersworth Historical Museum, 157 Main St.

Ward 3 – (new location) Somersworth High School cafeteria, 11 Memorial Drive (Ward 3 was formerly at the Flanagan Center)

Ward 4 – (new location) Idlehurst Elementary School Cafeteria, 46 Stackpole Road (Ward 4 was formerly Charpentier Apartments)

Ward 5 – Romeo J. Messier Building, 218 Main St.

Voters are encouraged to adhere to CDC guidelines to include wearing masks and maintaining socially distancing. Email jslaven@somersworth.com or call (603) 692-9555 for inquiries and additional information.