Write-in voting allows a person to select someone for an elected office by writing that individual&#8217;s name in the designated space instead of choosing a name already printed on the ballot. New Hampshire permits write-in selections under RSA 659:17, which establishes ballot marking instructions.



The process is available for applicable office contests where an official write-in space is provided. The voter must follow the ballot&#8217;s instructions, including marking the appropriate symbol when an electronic ballot counting device is used.



The basic requirements include:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Locate the correct elected office on the ballot.</li>



<li>Find the designated write-in space for that office.</li>



<li>Write the person&#8217;s name in the space provided.</li>



<li>Fill in the corresponding oval when required.</li>



<li>Follow the maximum number of selections permitted for that contest.</li>



<li>Review the ballot instructions before submitting it.</li>
</ul>



Write-in voting is different from leaving a contest blank. A properly completed write-in selection communicates an intended choice that election officials evaluate under the applicable counting procedures.

What Is Write-In Voting in New Hampshire?

How Do You Cast a Write-In Vote?

Do You Need to Fill in the Write-In Oval?

New Hampshire establishes specific write-in counting procedures under RSA 659:64-a. Election moderators and authorized election personnel are responsible for reviewing and recording write-in selections.



In communities using approved electronic ballot counting devices, the moderator may use printed reports or digital images of write-in entries when the equipment provides that capability.



The counting procedure must occur in the presence of another sworn election official.



Election officials examine write-in selections and determine how they should be recorded in the appropriate contest totals.

How Are Write-In Votes Counted in New Hampshire?

Can You Write in a Name Already Printed on the Ballot?

What Happens If You Select the Same Person Twice?

What Happens if a Write-In Creates an Overvote?

Can You Write in More Than One Name?

What if a Write-In Name Is Misspelled?

Do Write-In Votes Appear in Official Election Results?

Are Write-In Votes Private?

No. Ordinary write-in voting and the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot serve different purposes.



An ordinary write-in selection is made in the designated space on a regular election ballot. It allows voters to enter a name for a particular office.



The Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot, abbreviated FWAB, is a specialized backup ballot for eligible military and overseas voters under federal voting procedures.



In New Hampshire, the FWAB can be used for federal offices when the voter meets the applicable requirements and already has a valid absentee ballot request on file.

Is Ordinary Write-In Voting the Same as the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot?

Can You Correct a Write-In Voting Mistake?

Where Can You Find Official Write-In Voting Guidance?

Frequently Asked Questions About Write-In Voting

Understanding write-in spaces, ballot marking instructions, and counting rules can help residents prepare for the November 3, 2026 election. Explore the <a href="https://www.tpaction.com/votenewhampshire">New Hampshire voting guide</a> for statewide information, <a href="http://tpaction.com/Vote">Register to Vote</a> to review registration resources, and use the <a href="https://www.tpaction.com/plan">Plan to Vote</a> resource to organize your Election Day arrangements.



Volunteering offers opportunities to participate in voter registration and community election information activities. Residents interested in available opportunities can <a href="https://www.tpaction.com/commit100">VOLUNTEER WITH US</a>, while those looking for additional voter education and community participation activities can <a href="https://www.tpaction.com/getinvolved">get involved</a>.

Get Ready for Write-In Voting in New Hampshire

Understand how write-in voting works in New Hampshire, including ballot instructions, counting rules, and how it differs from overseas backup ballots.

How Write-In Voting Works in New Hampshire

What Is Write-In Voting in New Hampshire?

How Do You Cast a Write-In Vote?

Do You Need to Fill in the Write-In Oval?

How Are Write-In Votes Counted in New Hampshire?

Can You Write in a Name Already Printed on the Ballot?

What Happens If You Select the Same Person Twice?

What Happens if a Write-In Creates an Overvote?

Can You Write in More Than One Name?

What if a Write-In Name Is Misspelled?

Do Write-In Votes Appear in Official Election Results?

Are Write-In Votes Private?

Is Ordinary Write-In Voting the Same as the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot?

Can You Correct a Write-In Voting Mistake?

Where Can You Find Official Write-In Voting Guidance?

Frequently Asked Questions About Write-In Voting

Can you vote for someone not printed on the ballot?

Does a write-in vote require an oval?

What if I write in someone already listed?

Will my vote count if I write the same name twice?

Is the federal write-in ballot the same thing?

Get Ready for Write-In Voting in New Hampshire

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How Write-In Voting Works in New Hampshire

What Is Write-In Voting in New Hampshire?

How Do You Cast a Write-In Vote?

Do You Need to Fill in the Write-In Oval?

How Are Write-In Votes Counted in New Hampshire?

Can You Write in a Name Already Printed on the Ballot?

What Happens If You Select the Same Person Twice?

What Happens if a Write-In Creates an Overvote?

Can You Write in More Than One Name?

What if a Write-In Name Is Misspelled?

Do Write-In Votes Appear in Official Election Results?

Are Write-In Votes Private?

Is Ordinary Write-In Voting the Same as the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot?

Can You Correct a Write-In Voting Mistake?

Where Can You Find Official Write-In Voting Guidance?

Frequently Asked Questions About Write-In Voting

Can you vote for someone not printed on the ballot?

Does a write-in vote require an oval?

What if I write in someone already listed?

Will my vote count if I write the same name twice?

Is the federal write-in ballot the same thing?

Get Ready for Write-In Voting in New Hampshire