Voter Registration

Elections and Voter Information

Every resident of Canaan who has a fixed and permanent domicile in the town, who is a citizen of the United States, and who is 18 years of age may register to vote in the town. A resident is someone who has a domicile in the town on a continuing basis for a significant portion of each year. A person can have only one domicile for the purpose of voting. Voter Registration Card: Information that must be provided includes name, address (mailing and legal residence), place and date of birth and proof of citizenship. Filling out the voter registration card and signing it involves a solemn oath that the information is true.

Party Affiliation: No one is required to list a party affiliation, but in New Hampshire one may register as a Democrat or Republican. Listing oneself as undeclared means that one has no party preference; there is no "independent" party. In primary elections an undeclared voter may request any party's ballot at the polls and will be listed on the checklist in the future as affiliated with that party. A voter who wishes to return to undeclared status after voting may do so at the place of polling by filling out a card and giving it to a Supervisor of the Checklist, however, change of party affiliation from one party to another may be done no sooner than the day after election.

Rights and Responsibilities: If the qualifications to vote are met, the Supervisors of the Checklist will add the applicant to the voter checklist. As a registered voter of Canaan, New Hampshire, one has the right to vote at any meeting or election held within the town. One also shares in all the responsibilities of being a citizen of the town and state.

Where to Register: Individuals may register to vote at the Town Office on Main Street during office hours. Applications may be made at any time of the year (except 10 days prior to any election). There are also special registration sessions on Saturday mornings and evening hours on certain dates just prior to an election. These dates are published in the Valley News and posted on the bulletin board at the door of the Town Office. You may also register at the Polls on Election Days.

Absentee ballots: Individuals unable to vote in person may request an absentee ballot from the Town Clerk's Office, PO Box 38 Canaan, N.H. 03741. Voters choosing to vote by absentee ballot must sign a request form before obtaining a ballot. Upon receipt of the signed request, an absentee ballot will either be given or mailed (RSA 657:15) to the voter. Once the ballot is completed, the voter must personally deliver during our office hours or mail the ballot (RSA 657:17) to the Town Clerk's office.

Supervisors of the Checklist are elected and given the responsibility of registering the voters of Canaan and maintaining the checklist that is used at all elections. They serve in that capacity for the Town of Canaan and for the School District,