New Hampshire Secretary of State predicts record turnout

David Scanlan, the New Hampshire Secretary of State, predicts that 635,000 residents will vote in the general election scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 3. He cited the competitiveness of races across the state as a primary driver for this anticipated surge in participation. The state official also pointed to a specific question on the ballot regarding a school tax cap as a factor that may motivate additional voters to head to the polls.

Scanlan’s projection relies heavily on current data regarding absentee ballots. The number of absentee ballots requested and returned matches the volume seen during the 2022 midterm election. In that cycle, New Hampshire recorded 626,931 total votes, with 58,655 cast via absentee ballot. For comparison, the 2018 midterm election saw 580,214 total votes, of which 45,887 were absentee ballots.

The state’s chief election officer is urging voters to prepare their necessary documentation in advance. This advice comes at a time when New Hampshire election laws have undergone several recent modifications. A law passed in 2026, which was recently upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court, no longer permits school-issued photo identification for registration or ballot collection.

A 2024 state law introduced stricter registration requirements, including proof of citizenship. A judge struck down that specific requirement earlier this year. For the 2026 midterm election, a new voter who lacks documentary proof of citizenship can instead complete a sworn affidavit to satisfy the requirement. Scanlan stated that voters must document their identity, age, domicile, and citizenship, or they may sign an affidavit under penalties for voter fraud.

“We have been encouraging voters to have a plan to exercise their right to vote,” Scanlan said. “Know in advance where your polling place is, what the polling hours are, what the requirements are. If you're going to register to vote on the day of the election, make sure you have the documents with you that you need.”

Acceptable forms of identification include a driver’s license, a U.S. Armed Services ID, and a U.S. passport or passport card. Local election officials provide resources to assist qualified voters with registration and ballot acquisition. Voters who were previously registered in another town within the state already have their information in the statewide database. These individuals only need to prove their identity and primary residential address.

The Secretary of State’s office has established agreements to verify voter information efficiently. They have limited access to the state Division of Motor Vehicles database to check for collected citizenship and name change data. They also work with the state Division of Historical Records to confirm birth information and name changes resulting from marriages in New Hampshire.

Scanlan reported that very few voters currently lack an acceptable form of ID needed to register and obtain a ballot. He noted that recent legal changes, including the 2012 photo ID law, have not impacted ballot access according to his office. Scanlan has visited college campuses, including a recent drive at Dartmouth College, to speak with students. While voting rights advocates argue these changes create unnecessary barriers, Scanlan maintains that voter participation rates have remained consistently high.