Tell an election worker what happened and ask to speak with the polling-place moderator.



The moderator is responsible for overseeing voting at the location. Many problems can be resolved more quickly by the moderator than through a complaint filed after Election Day.



Ask for the moderator if:



– Your name cannot be found on the voter checklist



– Your voter identification is questioned



– You need to register at the polls



– You are directed to the wrong location



– You encounter an accessibility barrier



– You need help marking your ballot



– The accessible voting system is unavailable



– Your ballot is damaged



– The ballot-counting device rejects your ballot



– Someone interferes with your access to the polling place



– The location appears to be closing early



– An election worker gives you conflicting instructions



Remain calm and explain the facts clearly. Tell the moderator what happened, when it happened and what you need in order to complete the voting process.

Who Should I Contact First?

The moderator supervises the conduct of voting at the polling place. The moderator may coordinate election workers, resolve procedural questions and maintain an orderly voting environment.



Depending on the problem, the moderator may:

What Does the Moderator Handle?

Provide a short, specific description of the problem.



Include:

What Information Should I Give the Moderator?

Do not leave immediately. Ask the ballot clerk to check the spelling of your name and confirm that you are at the correct polling place.



If your record still cannot be found, ask for the moderator or the supervisors of the checklist.



They may review:

What If My Name Is Not on the Voter Checklist?

Ask why the identification was not accepted and request to speak with the moderator or supervisors of the checklist.



Possible issues include:

What If My Identification Is Rejected?

Tell an election worker and ask for the moderator. Describe the barrier and the accommodation that would allow you to vote.



Accessibility problems may include:

How Do I Report an Accessibility Problem?

Tell the moderator that you need voting assistance. New Hampshire voters who need help marking a ballot may request assistance under the applicable procedure.



The moderator should explain the accessible voting options available at the polling place. Depending on your request, assistance may be provided by designated election workers or an eligible person of your choice. The person assisting must follow your directions and keep your selections private.



Review the <a href="https://www.tpaction.com/new-hampshire-voting-assistance-help-mark-your-ballot">New Hampshire voting assistance guide</a> before Election Day.

What If I Need Help Marking My Ballot?

Notify an election worker without leaving your ballot unattended. Ask for the moderator if the problem is not corrected promptly.



Describe:

What If the Ballot Device Is Not Working?

Stay calm and follow instructions from the moderator. A power failure does not necessarily mean voting must stop.



Poll workers may use established backup procedures for:

What If the Building Loses Power?

If a fire, safety threat or other emergency requires evacuation, leave safely and follow official instructions.



The moderator is responsible for notifying the appropriate state officials and securing election materials when it is safe to do so.



Ballots and checklists may be:

What Happens During an Evacuation?

A polling place may be relocated if a fire, disaster or serious safety threat makes the original facility unusable. A move must follow New Hampshire’s official emergency procedure.



State and local officials may approve a replacement facility and provide public notice.



Information may be communicated through:

Can a Polling Place Move During Election Day?

Remain at the location unless officials direct you to leave. Ask whether the voting line will be preserved and how the interruption affects voters already waiting.



A temporary interruption may result from:

What If Voting Is Temporarily Interrupted?

For regular state elections, New Hampshire polling places may not close before 7:00 PM. Some municipalities remain open later.



If a location appears closed before its official time:

What If the Polling Place Appears to Close Early?

Stay in the official line. New Hampshire election procedures require officials to allow people who were waiting when the polls closed to register when needed and vote.



If someone tells you to leave:

What If I Am in Line at Closing?

Contact the New Hampshire Secretary of State’s election office when a polling-place issue cannot be resolved locally or when election officials need statewide procedural guidance.



Reasons may include:

When Should I Contact the Secretary of State?

Contact the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Election Law Unit to report an alleged violation of state or federal election law.



The current Election Law Unit complaint contacts include:

When Should I Contact the Attorney General?

Yes. A clear record can help election officials understand and investigate the problem.



Write down:

Should I Document What Happened?

The New Hampshire Attorney General’s Election Law Unit accepts reports of alleged election-law violations. Use its official complaint process and include relevant supporting information.



A useful written complaint should identify:

How Do I Report a Problem After Election Day?

When you <a href="https://www.tpaction.com/plan">plan to vote</a>, prepare for possible questions before going to the polls.



Before leaving:



<div style="column-count:2;column-gap:48px;max-width:900px;margin:0 auto">
– Verify your voter registration.
– Confirm your polling place and hours.
– Bring accepted identification.
– Bring registration documents if needed.
– Save your town or city clerk’s number.
– Review accessibility arrangements.
– Know that the moderator is your first contact.
– Keep the state election hotline available.
– Document unresolved issues without revealing ballot choices.
– Follow official instructions during an interruption.
– Remain in line if you arrived before closing.
– Escalate unresolved legal concerns through official channels.
</div>



Most polling-place issues can be addressed more effectively when they are reported immediately. Start with the moderator, explain the facts clearly and contact the appropriate state office if the local response does not resolve the problem.



If you want to support voter registration and help other New Hampshire voters prepare, <a href="https://www.tpaction.com/getinvolved">get involved</a> and learn how you can assist with voter outreach in your community.

Election Day Problem Checklist

Learn who to tell first at a New Hampshire polling place, when to contact the Secretary of State or Attorney General, and what happens if voting stops.

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How to Report a Voting Problem at a New Hampshire Polling Place