a collaboration between The Wire and Portsmouth Community Radio, WSCA-LP 106.1 FM 

The right to have a say in our own governance prompted the birth of this nation over 250 years ago, and has been fought for and died for ever since. But representative democracy only works when it’s used. 

This year’s mid-term elections on Tuesday, Nov. 7, are said to be the most important in 30 years. The Wire and Portsmouth Community Radio have teamed up to help you navigate the politics on your way to the polls. In addition, Portsmouth residents can watch the Channel 22 re-broadcast of candidate forums, featuring hopefuls for the offices of executive council, state senate and state representative, on Monday, Nov. 6 at 7 p.m.

Whatever your politics, whatever your past, next Tuesday is your chance to vote for your future, and you’ll have no right to complain if you don’t take advantage of it. And who knows—there may be even more rights that you’ll lose if you don’t show up.

The following voters’ guide is a basic primer of the issues and candidates on the ballot next Tuesday. There is also a brief explanation of the scope of each office, and the guide is capped with voting logistics—eligibility, registration and polling times and locations. The only exception is the office of state representative, for which there are more people running than space allows. If you’re unfamiliar with the candidates, seek out their Web sites, and track every incumbent’s record at www.vote-smart.org.

Clip it out, take notes, or bring it to the polls on Tuesday. Most importantly, just get out and vote. Democracy depends on you. Make it work. 

Sources: www.vote-smart.org, www.ontheissues.org, www.nhptv.org/mockelection, www.listenupnh.org, candidate Web sites and candidate forums.

Governor, State of New Hampshire 

John Lynch (D, Hopkinton)
www.johnlynch04.com

Incumbent governor, experience includes Director of Admissions at the Harvard Business School, President and CEO of furniture maker Knoll, Inc., President of The Lynch Group. Priorities: education, energy, environment, health insurance for children and jobs.

campaign law: Does not support limiting the number of terms for New Hampshire governors, state senators or representatives. Does support limiting contributions to gubernatorial candidates. Does support requiring full and timely disclosure of campaign finance information. Does not support imposing spending limits on state level political campaigns.

civil liberties – abortion: “I am pro-choice, but I also believe that we need to do what we can to reduce the number of abortions.” Supported law that gives women in New Hampshire access to emergency contraception without a prescription.

civil liberties – end of life: Supports advance directives.

civil liberties – gay rights: New Hampshire already includes sexual orientation in its anti-discrimination laws. Has supported shared benefits in the past, and is open to further discussion.

civil liberties – guns: “I do not support any changes to New Hampshire’s gun laws.”

civil liberties – privacy: Has concerns about proposed federal drivers’ licensing standards and REAL ID, which would require more documentation when applying for a driver’s license.

civil liberties – smoking: Says he supported restaurant smoking ban.

economy: Launched initiative “to help New Hampshire manufacturers, providing them with technical assistance so they can better compete in the changing global economy and with assistance to train their workers in new technologies.” Also wants to build tourism in the state and has invested in “international trade offices to help New Hampshire companies sell their goods and products across the world.”

education: “I am … working to increase New Hampshire’s high school graduation rate, by increasing the compulsory attendance age from 16 to 18, and expanding alternative learning programs.” Worked to freeze tuition this year at the community technical colleges. Wants the state’s education funding solution to give aid to communities in need, but favors repealing the current system of funding through property taxes.

employment: “I am supporting increased job training, increasing the minimum wage, and increasing child care and early learning. I also supported improving loan opportunities for small businesses, and a research and development tax credit.” “I am working to make sure we are moving people off welfare into lasting work and self-sufficiency. That includes making sure that welfare recipients have access to job training and support, child care and transportation.”

energy and environment: Set goal for New Hampshire to get 25 percent of its energy from renewable sources by 2025, working on cutting energy use, sought $10 million to support a land conservation program.

health care: “As Governor, I worked successfully to repeal a law that had tripled health insurance premiums for small businesses and ended the ability of insurance companies to discriminate against sick workers.” Is working to expand enrollment in the state’s children’s health insurance program and to reduce costs and expand coverage through the use of technology.

minimum wage: Has pledged to raise the minimum wage.

natural resources: Signed into law SB 386 to help protect the state’s groundwater and help communities manage groundwater resources and clarifies groundwater as a public trust

prisons: Supports N.H.’s current death penalty law. “As Governor, I fought for and signed one of the toughest laws in the nation against sexual predators, and we passed new laws cracking down on the dangerous drug crystal meth. We recently opened a new youth facility, and are improving our adult corrections system.”

taxes: Would veto any income and sales tax. “As Governor, I worked with both parties in the legislature to erase a major budget deficit, without new taxes, while still investing in what’s important—education, health care and job creation. I will continue to bring that same fiscally responsible approach to state government, looking at all our priorities as a state and making sure we are meeting them as efficiently as possible. That includes continuing to strengthen our commitment to education, preserving open space, and protecting public health and safety.”

Jim Coburn (R, Windham)
www.jimcoburn.com

Experience includes United States Air Force, Digital Equipment Corporation, started Valco Data Systems, served in New Hampshire House of Representatives. Priorities: economy, education, health care, taxes.

campaign law: Sponsored House Bill 1509 to increase the voluntary spending limits on statewide races, from $625,000 to $1,250,000 per electoral cycle. “This updates the voluntary limit to more realistic levels. … I think all of the people of New Hampshire want their elected officials to spend more time on building a better government and less time wooing special interests and lobbyists for campaign cash—this bill will do that.”

civil liberties – abortion: Opposes abortion, without exception.

civil liberties – end of life: Supports advance directives.

civil liberties – gay rights: Does not support amending the U.S. Constitution regarding gay marriage on the basis of state’s rights; thinks that N.H. citizens should decide on an amendment to the state constitution. Undecided on civil unions; supports shared benefits for same-sex partners if they “can prove” the legitimacy of their commitment.

civil liberties – guns: Supports the 2nd Amendment. 

civil liberties – privacy: Opposes REAL ID.

civil liberties – smoking: Voted against smoking ban; believes it’s for restaurants to choose to ban smoking, not the state.

economy: “Our economy is driven by successful small businesses growing, expanding, hiring more people, and using local products and services. These businesses require a ‘business friendly climate’ …”  Believes that the majority of the responsibility is with local municipalities, but that the state can offer support via tax structure, transportation infrastructure and promotion of New Hampshire as a desirable place to live.

education: “Our elected legislature has the responsibility for funding schools and defining an adequate education. Un-elected judges should not be in control of this process. If it takes a constitutional amendment to make that clear, then I will provide the leadership to put such an amendment into action. … I believe that charter schools, school choice and vouchers have a place … .” Would encourage schools to put alternative programs in place before raising the minimum drop-out age to 18. Wants the state’s education funding solution to give aid to communities in need, but favors repealing the current system of funding through property taxes.

employment: “We need to provide an educated workforce, and affordable housing for that workforce. We need affordable health care and insurance. We need to keep our young people in the state, with good employment and wages, so we can maintain a diverse spectrum of citizens.”

energy and environment: Believes the $2 million the state is spending to support a land conservation program is “generous.” Has suggested increasing a gas tax to discourage over-consumption.

health care: “Reducing the cost of healthcare is the first step in reducing the cost of health insurance. Other activities must address grouping, pooling, coverage options, private pay … . The solutions will come from the private sector, and less regulation is usually better than more regulation.” Supports preventative care, the use of electronic medical records to help mitigate malpractice lawsuits, and improved provisions for homecare services.

minimum wage: Voted against raising the minimum wage.

natural Resources: In favor of local control.

prisons: Supports the death penalty.

taxes: “Our tax revenue is directly tied to the viability of our economy. A more productive economy results in improved revenues with a decreased individual tax burden. … We must continue to watch spending so increased taxes don’t drive business away.” Suggests use of technology to track revenue and spending, and improved policies and procedures to reduce the cost of running the state.”

1st District, U.S. Congress

Carol Shea-Porter (D, Rochester)
www.carolforcongress.com

Has worked with children and senior citizens. Wrote the proposal for and helped start a private non-profit social service agency. Taught political issues for 15 years. Served on various boards; volunteered at church and for Red Cross in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. Chair of the Rochester Democrats; worked for General Wesley Clark in the 2004 presidential primary; helped John Kerry in the general election; additional work on other campaigns. Priorities: Education, health care, war. 

Campaign finance: Signed the Public Campaign Action Fund’s Voters First Pledge, which calls for making elections fair by supporting legislation that would provide public funding for candidates. “I support legislation that would restore power to the voters and weaken the influence that lobbyists have over members of Congress. I call on all Democratic and Republican congressional candidates to sign this pledge.”

Civil liberties – abortion: “Women have a right to make their own reproductive decisions …”

Civil liberties – end of life: “I believe that we have a right to make our own medical decisions … and families have a right to make end of life decisions.”

Civil liberties – gay rights: Disagrees with constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage. 

Civil liberties – guns: Supports gun control on assault weapons. 

Civil liberties – privacy: “I believe we have a right to be free from electronic surveillance unless there is strong suspicion and a warrant. … We must eavesdrop on terrorists and search their homes to find out what evil they are planning, but America should not abandon its laws governing invasive searches and surveillance.”

Economy: “Instead of cutting services to the needy and squeezing the middle class, let’s return to the policies of the 1950s. At that time, taxes from corporations … made up about 25 percent of the Federal government’s revenues. They now pay about 10 percent. … We are borrowing money from the Chinese and other countries to pay our debts. … I will push to eliminate the tax cuts for the top 1 percent of income earners (individuals earning $400,000, couples making $800,000), raise the minimum wage, and invest in our children, families and seniors. In Congress, I will work to guarantee Social Security’s long-term health by voting to put a Social Security tax on someone’s full income, not just the first $90,000.

Education: Opposes a taxpayer funded voucher system for private education from K-12: “We must not be fooled into abandoning our school system. We need to fix problem schools, but we must make them stronger, not doom them to failure.” Opposes 2002’s No Child Left Behind Education Reform Act and “teach-to-test” approach: “While I do support measures that help schools improve, these measures must be fair and take into account the realities of the community that these schools serve. The Federal Government must stay out of this and allow states to work on solutions.” Supports better funding for classrooms and no-cost or low-cost higher education loans for eligible students. 

Energy and Environment: Wants a “unified strategy for a sane environmental policy. … I will work to pass laws that reward good stewardship of the environment by offering substantial tax credits for energy saving cars, homes, and businesses. Waterways must be protected by strict measures, including curtailing the chemicals that are used on lawns. I will promote tax deductions for Americans who use organic lawn care companies and products. Industrial efforts to conserve, clean up, and innovate must also be rewarded with tax incentives, and the government must set serious mpg minimums. It’s essential for our environment and also for our national security, since some of our oil money is also being used against us in the Middle East.” Suggests the creation of an independent environmental institute to set goals for energy self-reliance and environmental improvements. “The Federal Government must work with industry, scientists, and environmentalists to hammer out a coordinated plan that is workable.” 

Health Care: “Our nation is the only country in the Western Democracies that does not provide health care for all of its people. … It’s time for universal healthcare.” Favors extension of Medicare to all Americans, saying it won’t require raising taxes because more income tax revenue will be created just by a healthier workforce, cites its low administrative costs, familiarity to the public and protection of doctor-patient relationship as advantages.  “We would have to tighten oversight of the program to cut waste and fraud.” Wants Medicare to be able to negotiate drug prices with pharmaceutical industry. 
Immigration: “Immigration is an emotional issue. I think that we have to stop illegal employers because most people would not come if they did not have jobs to go to. But we also can’t send everyone home. We have to make immigrants learn English, take civics so they understand what this country is about, and get educated, so they can work and pay taxes and take care of their families.”

Minimum Wage: Supports an increase in the minimum wage

Taxes: Supports raising the average corporate tax rate, now about 10 percent, so it’s closer to its 1950s level, about 25 percent.

War: Supports a deadline to withdraw American troops from Iraq and place them in surrounding countries. “Because of this war, we have lost our friends and we have emboldened our enemies.” Believes a gradual withdrawal would be dangerous for some American troops. “We must renew our friendships with other nations so we can work together to calm tensions, thwart terrorism and find diplomatic solutions to crises whenever possible. We must respect the cultural and political differences.”

Jeb Bradley (R, Wolfeboro)
www.jebforcongress.com

U.S. Congressman since 2003; serves on the House Armed Services, Budget, Small Business and Veterans Affairs Committees; served in the N.H. Legislature for 12 years prior to being elected to Congress in 2002, where he chaired the Science, Technology and Energy Committee, as well as the Joint Committee on Ethics; served on the Town of Wolfeboro Budget Committee, 1989-1992; served on the Town of Wolfeboro Planning Board, 1986-1990; former owner of several small businesses in Wolfeboro; Little League coach for 10 years in Wolfeboro; former member of board of directors for Harbor House; member of the Appalachian Mountain Club. Priorities: immigration, war, health care, economy. 

Campaign Finance: Voted against lobbying reform bill proposed earlier this year in the U.S. House. 

Civil liberties – abortion: Member of Republicans for Choice. Voted to ban partial-birth abortion except to save mother’s life. Voted to restrict interstate transport of minors to get abortions.

Civil liberties – gay rights: Voted to ban same-sex marriage.

Civil liberties – guns: “I strongly support the rights of responsible individuals to bear arms as provided by the Second Amendment.”

Civil liberties – privacy: Voted to make the PATRIOT Act permanent.

Economy: “(M)andatory federal programs must be brought under control.” He “(s)upported the Deficit Reduction Act of 2006 to reduce the federal budget deficit by ... reducing waste, fraud and abuse; increasing the efficiency of Medicaid; expanding welfare reform; reforming food stamp eligibility; reducing the deficit and creating jobs. In 2005 and 2006, offered amendments to the Congressional Budget that increased veterans’ health care funding … .”  “Supports Constitutional amendments for a balanced budget and to authorize a line-item veto … .”  Rated 7 percent by the AFL-CIO, indicating an anti-union voting record. (Dec. 2003)

Education: On 2002’s No Child Left Behind Education Reform Act: “I support strengthening our statewide accountability systems for all public schools, but local control is the foundation of a proper education.”  Supports full federal funding for special education. Supports strengthening the Pell Grant program to expand access to college. “I was happy to support H.R. 609, the ‘College Access and Opportunity Act of 2006,’ which increased the maximum Pell Grant to $6,000.”

Energy and Environment: “I believe that our nation should chart a new, comprehensive course for energy independence based upon expanding the usage of clean renewable energy, increasing refining capacity and looking for new domestic oil and gas deposits while new technologies like clean coal develop and become more feasible.” Supports the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. Opposes tariffs on imported ethanol, as well as subsidies for American ethanol producers. “These subsidies are the primary reason why I opposed the Energy Policy Act of 2005.”  Sponsored the Clean Power Act and the Northern Wood Power Project. Co-sponsored H.R. 4409 to “increase tax credits for fuel-efficient cars and the research and development of both hydrogen and electric cars. Supports the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Forest Legacy Program and the Land and Water Conservation Fund. Opposes trading program for mercury emissions. “I opposed several attempts to give oil companies liability protection from lawsuits filed by states, like New Hampshire, and localities. … I was able to secure funding for the State of New Hampshire to develop a state-wide water resources management plan (to) better manage its drinking water resources.”

Health Care: Wants to reduce lawsuits against doctors, expand health savings accounts, allow small businesses to enter groups that could find better deals with insurers and expand preventative care through increased community health centers. Voted “yes” on denying non-emergency treatment for lack of Medicare co-pay (February 2006); on limiting medical malpractice lawsuits to $250,000 damages (May 2004); and on limited prescription drug benefit for Medicare recipients (November 2003).

Immigration: Supported H.R. 4437, the Border Protection, Antiterrorism, and Illegal Immigration Control Act, to bolster border patrol and surveillance capabilities, establish a verification system for employee immigration status, promote policies to deter illegal immigration, require mandatory detention for all illegal immigrants apprehended at U.S. land borders, authorize new detention space to keep illegal immigrants in custody until they’re deported, provide military support during border patrols, authorize 1,000 new port-entry inspectors, institute a national program to verify a potential employee’s eligibility to work in the U.S., require Department of Homeland Security to report to Congress on the program, promise to address any ensuing problems for business, strengthen alien criminal penalties. Voted “yes” on reporting illegal aliens who receive hospital treatment (May 2004).

Minimum Wage: Voted against raising the minimum wage.

Taxes: Believes reducing taxes for individuals and businesses leads to a strong economy. Opposes the estate tax, “which greatly affects small business owners wishing to pass on the family business to a son, daughter or other relative.” 
War: Defers to military opinion for withdrawal of troops from Iraq. Believes growing the Iraqi security forces is key to stability in Iraq and that setting a withdrawal date or cutting funding would endanger American troops. Has supported pay increases for soldiers and improved armor. Voted “yes” on continuing intelligence gathering without civil oversight (April 2006), on continuing military recruitment on college campuses (February 2005), and on supporting new position of Director of National Intelligence (December 2004).

New Hampshire Senate

There are 24 members of the N.H. senate, and 14 standing committees. At issue in the coming term are a court-imposed deadline for a school funding solution and the status of the statewide property tax. Gov. John Lynch, a Democrat up for reelection, has now said he would support a constitutional amendment if it targeted education money for poorer communities. Also at issue is work to repair the hardships created by Senate Bill 110, an insurance law created to foster more competition among insurers while lowering insurance rates, but which actually caused rates to increase up to 200 percent for many small business owners.

District 21
Dover, Durham, Epping, Lee and Rollinsford

Iris Estabrook (D, Durham)
www.estabrookforsenate.net

Has served three terms in the House and is now assistant Democratic leader in the Senate, where she serves on the Education, Health and Human Services and Transportation and Interstate Cooperation committees. With no Republican nominee, Estabrook is running unopposed for this seat.

District 23
East Kingston, Exeter, Kensington, Kingston, Newfields, Newmarket, Newton, Seabrook, South Hampton and Stratham

Sen. Margaret “Maggie” Wood Hassan (D, Exeter)
www.maggie2006.org

Was elected to the New Hampshire Senate in November 2004, currently holds the position of assistant Democratic whip and is a member of the Environment and Wildlife Committee, the Executive Departments and Administration Committee and the Internal Affairs Committee. States her legislative priorities as health insurance, education, the environment and disability issues.

education funding: Supports eliminating donor towns.

statewide tax: Opposes a state income, property or sales tax.

energy & environment: Supports the governor’s plan to have 25 percent of the state’s energy come from alternative or renewable resources by 2025; chair Great Bay Estuary Commission, which is bringing 44 communities together to find a regional approach to wastewater disposal.

health care: Worked to repeal SB 110; supports the governor’s Citizen Health Initiative, which includes using statewide digital medical records, among other solutions, to reduce health-care costs.

affordable housing: “Developers and environmentalists, often portrayed as opponents, may in fact find that they have common interests if they can come together and present policy makers with proposals that reflect their collaboration.”

Natalie Healy (R, Exeter)
www.nataliehealy.com

education funding: Favors a constitutional amendment allowing legislators to determine education funding without interference from the court; believes “government shouldn’t be doing what could be done more efficiently in the private sector.”

statewide tax: Opposes income and sales taxes, or diluting the “N.H. advantage.”

social policy: Favors the death penalty and wants the state to do more to keep violent crime from spreading north from Massachusetts; pro-life; pro-Second Amendment; anti-illegal immigration.

war: She is a vocal proponent of supporting our troops in the Middle East and made national news when she successfully opposed the admission of a former Taliban spokesman to Yale University.

District 24
Greenland, Hampton, Hampton Falls, New Castle, Newington, North Hampton, Portsmouth and Rye

Sen. Martha Fuller Clark (D, Portsmouth)
www.marthafullerclark.com

Was elected to the New Hampshire Senate in November 2004. She currently holds the Senate position of Democratic liaison to the New Hampshire House of Representatives, and is a member of the Executive Departments and Administration Committee and the Health and Human Services Committee.

education funding: Would like to see the governor’s education funding plan revisited, but does not see the need for a constitutional amendment.

statewide property tax: opposes it, and says repealing it is the only way to eliminate donor towns. However, she has voted for bills that included statewide taxes while she served in the House in the late 1990s, as a temporary solution to court-mandated education aid.

energy and environment:  Supports developing renewable energy sources in the state and reinvigorating the state’s northern wood industry; helped sponsor legislation for LCHIP conservation program;

health care: Supports state helping to close the gap for the underinsured, including expanding the Healthy Kids program to help cover the 17,000 children in the state who are uninsured; favors smoking ban

Dan Hughes (R, New Castle)

Has served two terms as a state representative, where he’s worked on the Ways and Means Committee and currently serves as vice chairman of the Finance Committee, which oversees education funding and transportation.

education funding: Is campaigning on efforts to solve the school funding problem without donor towns (District 24 has sent $56 million in aid to other towns); in favor of targeted aid and a constitutional amendment to separate the courts from deciding policy on school funding. 

statewide property tax: Has said he supports it, but at a low rate. “I believe that we can have an uncompromised, quality education system without new taxes. If elected to serve as your state senator, I will fight for quality education, and a strong economy without a sales or income tax.”

health care: Voted for SB 110, has indicated support for consumer-driven health care solutions; supports parental notification laws; opposes statewide smoking ban

transportation: Vocal proponent for repairs to the Memorial Bridge

Executive Council, District 3

Five executive councilors work with the governor to award state contracts over $5,000 and to vote on appointments to state agencies and commissions and the judiciary. The state Supreme Court is currently wrestling with issues such as school vouchers and education funding, and within the next two years, the council will also appoint the commissioner for Health and Human Services, which has the single largest budget in the state. Incumbent Ruth Griffin (R, Portsmouth) is retiring this year after serving since 1986.

District 3: Barrington, Dover, Durham, East Kingston, Epping, Exeter, Fremont, Greenland, Hampstead, Hampton, Hampton Falls, Kensington, Kingston, Lee, Madbury, New Castle, Newfields, Newington, Newmarket, North Hampton, Portsmouth, Rye, Salem, Sandown, Seabrook, South Hampton and Stratham, among others.

the candidates:
Information comes from candidate Web sites and various candidate forums.

Bev Hollingworth (D, Hampton)
www.hollingworth2006.org

Twenty years in N.H. Legislature, including terms as the Senate president and chairwoman of the Senate Finance Committee and Appropriations Committee; touts commitment to health care, education, environment, creation of jobs, working across party lines for efficient and effective, and open and ethical, government.

no-bid contracts: “I’m absolutely opposed to no-bid contracts, only in cases where only one individual can support those (needs).”

length of terms: “I hate the fact that every two years (elected officials) have to run, but there does seem to be a balance. ... Every time (longer terms) have gone to a vote, it has failed. ”

on appointments: Says she will look at whether the person is qualified, not who they know. “We have to have the best people suited to the job. What qualities do they have that they can bring to the bench? Can they represent the state’s constitution? The Legislature wants to change the constitution because the judges are begging legislators to determine what adequacy is.”

says about her opponent: “I do believe values are what this comes down to... Senator Morse voted for Senate Bill 110. It tripled the insurance, and did away with a program to provide healthcare coverage to people.…”

Chuck Morse (R, Salem)
www.morseforexecutivecouncil.com

Eight years in N.H. Legislature, currently serves as chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, as vice chairman of the Transportation and Interstate Cooperation Committee and as a member of the Capital Budget Committee; touts votes against income and sales taxes and commitment to making decisions based on the bottom line.

no-bid contracts: “You can’t have absolute opposition. The fact is in the north country we have a hard time getting contractors to bid.”

length of terms: “Our department heads are up for renewal every four years, and elected officials’ terms are every two years. We want our department heads to be separate from us, so they work for the long-term advantage of the state.”

on appointments: Says he is concerned about activist judges, and will make sure to appoint judges who don’t overstep their authority. “We definitely want our Legislature to legislate and our judicial branch to do what they’re supposed to do.” For reappointments, says he would look at whether an agency head has done his or her job and worked with lawmakers to get projects completed.

says about his opponent: “…that’s truly the only reason we heard she’s running for office. She is going to support the governor’s initiatives and that’s it. That’s not what the Council is about.” 

how to register to vote
N.H. Secretary of State, www.sos.nh.gov or 603-271-3242
Maine Secretary of State, www.maine.gov/sos or 207-626-8400

do you qualify?
at least 18 years of age on election day
United States Citizen
registered to vote in community of residence

where to register
at the town or city clerk’s office up to 10 days before any election or on election day at the polling place

what to bring
You will be required to fill out a standard voter registration form and will be required to show proof of age, citizenship and domicile. Usually a driver’s license provides the required proof, but your town clerk’s office can be more specific and explain about exceptions.

political parties
When registering to vote, you will not be required to register as a member of a political party (Republican or Democratic). You may register as an undeclared or unenrolled voter.

college students
Students attending college in New Hampshire are given special privileges. You can visit www.sos.nh.gov/college student letter.doc or call the office of the Secretary of State for clarification.

absentee registration
If you are unable to register in person because of physical disability, religious beliefs, military service, or because of temporary absence, you may register by mail. First request an absentee voter registration affidavit and a standard voter registration form from your town/city clerk. The absentee voter registration affidavit must be witnessed and then both the affidavit and the voter registration form should be mailed to your town/city clerk.

absentee ballots
Absentee ballots are available from your town or city clerk 30 days prior to an election. Request the application from the clerk or submit a request in writing (by mail or fax), which should include your name, voting address, mailing address and your signature. Clerks may accept completed absentee ballots submitted in person until 5 p.m. the day before an election or until 5 p.m. on election day if received through the mail. Call your town or city clerk for an application and assistance.

polling hours and locations

MAINE

Eliot: 207-439-1817
9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Marshwood Junior High, Route 236 and Depot Road

Kittery: 207-439-0452, ext. 328
8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Shapleigh School, Stevenson Road

South Berwick: 207-384-3300
6 a.m – 8 p.m
Auditorium Hall, third floor of Town Hall

York: 207-363-1003
8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
York High School, Long Sands Road

Berwick: 207-698-1101, ext. 110
6 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Town Hall

North Berwick: 207-676-3353
8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
North Berwick Elementary School

NEW HAMPSHIRE 
Hours: assumed to be 8 a.m – 7 p.m., unless otherwise specified

Barrington: 603-664-5476
Barrington Middle School, Route 9

Dover: 603-516-6021
To find out which ward you live in, visit www.ci.dover.nh.us/cityclerk/Elections/polling.htm
Ward 1: St. Mary’s Church Hall, Chestnut Street
Ward 2: First Parish Church Hall, Central Avenue 
Ward 3: Langdon Place, Middle Road 
Ward 4: Veterans Building, Back River Road
Ward 5: St. John’s Methodist Church, Cataract Avenue
Ward 6: Riverside Rest Home, County Farm Road

Durham: 603-868-5571 
Oyster River High School Gymnasium

Epping: 603-679-5441
Epping Fire Station, Pleasant Street

Exeter: 603-778-0591
7 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Town Hall, Front Street

Greenland: 603-431-7111
Greenland Center School, Post Road

Hampton: 603-926-0406
7 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Marston School, Marston Way

Hampton Falls: 603-926-4618
8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Town Hall, 1 Drinkwater Road

Kensington: 603-772-5423
8 a.m – 7:30 p.m.
Kensington Town Hall, 95 Amesbury Road

Lee: 603-659-2964
Mast Way School, Mast Way

Madbury: 603-742-5131
Madbury Town Hall, 13 Town Hall Road

New Castle: 603-431-6710
10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
New Castle Public Library, Wentworth Road

Newfields: 603-772-5070
call for location

Newington: 603-436-7640
call for hours and location

Newmarket: 603-659-3617
7 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Town Hall, 186 Main St.

North Hampton: (603) 964-6029
North Hampton Elementary School, 201 Atlantic Ave.

Portsmouth: 603-610-7207
To find out which ward you live in, visit www.cityofportsmouth.com/cityclerk/voteinfo or call 603-610 -7245
Ward 1: New Franklin School, Franklin Drive
· Off Woodbury Avenue, between Anchorage and Best Inns
Ward 2: Junior High School, Parrott Avenue
· On the South Mill Pond next to Portsmouth District Court
Ward 3: Sherburne School, Sherburne Road
· From Route 33, hospital traffic light intersection
· From Route 1, take Borthwick Avenue to the end
Ward 4: Dondero School, Van Buren Avenue
· Off Lafayette Road, take McKinley Road to Van Buren Avenue
Ward 5: Little Harbour School, Clough Drive
· Off South Street near the cemetery

Rochester: 603-332-2130
Ward 1: VFW Post 1772, 43 Highland Street/Route 202, East Rochester
Ward 2: St. Mary’s Parish Center, 71 Lowell St.
Ward 3: Fire Station 2, Main Street, Gonic
Ward 4: Holy Rosary Parish Center, 189 North Main St.
Ward 5: Rochester Community Center, Community Way
Ward 6: Elk’s Lodge #1393, 41 Columbus Ave.

Rollinsford: 603-742-2510
Town Hall, Main Street

Rye: 603-964-8562
Elementary School, Sagamore Road

Seabrook: 603-474-3152
7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Seabrook Recreation Center, Lafayette Road

Somersworth: 603-692-9512
7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Ward 1: City Hall, 1 Government Way
Ward 2: Summersworth Historical Museum, 157 Main St.
Ward 3: Flanagan Community Center, 9 Bartlett Ave.
Ward 4: Charpentier Apartments, 28 Franklin St.
Ward 5: Romeo J. Messier Building, 218 Main St.

South Hampton: 603-394-7696
11 a.m. — 8 p.m.
Town Hall, Hilldale Avenue

Stratham: 603-772-4741
8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Town Hall, 10 Bunker Hill Ave.