New Hampshire has historically been known as a battleground state. While that may change this year, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go out and make your vote count.
Election Day is less than two months away, and, with former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris going head to head on Nov. 5 and other major electoral races in New Hampshire that day, many feel they must vote this year.
This can be difficult, as you can only vote in person on Election Day in New Hampshire, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures website. There is still same-day voter registration in the state, so you don’t necessarily need to worry about that if you forgot to register before Nov. 5.
More: N.H.’s other major electoral race Pappas vs. Prescott: NH congressman has ‘least Trumpiest’ challenger yet in 2024
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Is there early voting in New Hampshire
No, New Hampshire does not offer in-person early voting.
How can I vote if I am not here on Election Day
Residents can still cast a vote with an absentee ballot if you expect yourself unable to make it to the polls on Election Day for specific reasons, according to the Laconia government website.
“The reasons include being absent from the voter’s city or town, a religious observance, disability or illness, and employment commitments (including caregiving) during the entire time the polls are open,” the website says. “Absentee ballots may also be available when a weather emergency impacts an election.”
Apply for an absentee ballot here and the deadline to send in your mail-in ballot is 5 p.m. on Election Day.
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How to register to vote
Residents can register to vote on Election Day at your polling place or at your local clerk’s office up to 6-13 days before the election. Check your town/city website or call your clerk’s office for specific details.
Rin Velasco is a trending reporter. She can be reached at rvelasco@gannett.com.
CONCORD – While Republican Gov. Kelly Ayotte has said she opposes increasing highway toll rates across the state, the Senate voted Thursday to increase rates for out-of-state license plate holders.
It now goes to the House for consideration.
This would be a $1 increase for those who have out of state plates going through the tolls at Hooksett, Hampton and Bedford for out-of-state plates, a 75 cent hike for those taking Hampton’s Exit 2 and on the Spaulding turnpike at Rochester, and a 50 cent hike for those taking the exit off I-93 to Hooksett.
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An analysis in the bill shows that this would increase toll revenue by $53.3 million in fiscal year 2027 and go up each year to generate $81.4 million a year in 2036.
Senate Bill 627 passed on a voice vote with two Republicans, Senators Regina Birdsell of Hampstead and William Gannon of Sandown opposing.
Senator Mark E. McConkey, R-Freedom, moved to take the bill off the table and offered an amendment. He said the last time there was a systemwide increase to the turnpike toll was 19 years ago.
“I am sure we could all agree the cost of operations…has continued to escalate when revenue is not rising with it,” and he noted that with an enterprise fund, the state can only spend what it takes in.
The state has just completed a 10-year highway plan and there was a $400 million shortfall in projects that could not be paid for under the current income.
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McConkey said the measure would not increase tolls for New Hampshire drivers with a state license plate.
“Why don’t we ask our neighbors,” to pay a toll increase. “We are getting the best of all worlds,” by passing the bill, he said, including “protecting our residents” and having resources for improvements to the turnpike system.
Sen. Gannon, R-Sandown, asked McConkey if there are any studies on impacts near the border on businesses.
If implemented, McConkey said the state will be the 27th lowest in per mile cost still. McConkey said the bill would also increase from seven to 14 days the amount of time for those with NH license plates to pay for a toll adding there are other states that also have different rates for out-of-state users.
The Hampton toll cost would go from $2 to $3, while Hooksett and Bedford would rise from $1 to $2 for out-of-state plates.
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New Hampshire currently has the lowest rate per mile among states with tolls roads. The governor said she does not support a toll increase.
“We are not going to put a burden on drivers for a toll increase,” Ayotte said. “Families are struggling.”
WILTON, N.H. (WHDH) – A woman died in a Wilton, New Hampshire, house fire Wednesday morning, according to the New Hampshire State Fire Marshal’s Office.
At 9:08 a.m., Wilton firefighters responded to Burns Hill Road after a caller said their home was filling up with smoke. When they arrived, a single-family home was on fire and they found out two people were still inside on the second floor.
A man and a woman were both taken out of the house by firefighters and taken to Elliott Hospital. The woman was pronounced dead and the man is in serious condition.
Officials have not released the name of the victim at this time.
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At this time, investigators are looking into the cause of the fire and are trying to determine if a power outage in the area played a factor. The fire is not currently considered suspicious.
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