NH Secretary of State - Elections Division - Concord, NH

Elections Division Overview

The Elections Division of the New Hampshire Secretary of State is the chief regulatory body responsible for the administration and oversight of all state elections. Located in Room 204 of the historic New Hampshire State House on North Main Street, this division ensures the integrity of the democratic process. It serves as the central authority for interpreting and enforcing election laws, managing the statewide voter registration database, and certifying election results for local, state, and federal contests.

Candidate Services and Filing

One of the division's primary functions during election cycles is the management of candidate filings. Individuals seeking state or federal office must file their declarations of candidacy at this office. The division provides:

• Filing Processing: Acceptance and verification of nomination papers and primary petitions.
• Campaign Finance: Oversight of the Campaign Finance System, where candidates and political committees must report contributions and expenditures to ensure transparency.
• Ballot Preparation: Coordination of the design and distribution of official ballots to all municipalities.

Voter and Official Resources

The Elections Division acts as a critical resource for both the general public and local election officials. It provides training and guidance to town and city clerks to ensure uniform application of election procedures.

• Voter Information: Assisting citizens with voter registration questions, absentee ballot requests, and polling place locations.
• Election Laws: Publishing the New Hampshire Election Laws manual and providing legal guidance on statutes regarding recounts and voter identification.
• Accessibility: Ensuring that voting processes are accessible to individuals with disabilities through specialized equipment and procedures.

Facility Access

Visitors to the Elections Division must enter through the main public entrance of the State House and pass through security screening. The office is open Monday through Friday during standard state business hours. While many forms and reports, such as campaign finance data, are available via the online portal, physical filings and record requests are handled directly at the counter in Room 204.