Opinion: Five things for NH seniors to consider before heading to vote

Bill Blewitt, right, places an “I Voted” sticker on Bob Porter’s shirt during New Hampshire primary voting in Claremont on Tuesday, Sept. 10.

Bill Blewitt, right, places an “I Voted” sticker on Bob Porter’s shirt during New Hampshire primary voting in Claremont on Tuesday, Sept. 10. Alex Driehaus / Valley News

By JUSTINE VOGEL

Published: 10-31-2024 7:00 AM

Justine Vogel is the CEO of the RiverWoods Group.

As CEO of RiverWoods Retirement Communities since 2007, I’ve seen four presidential elections come and go. In that time, I’ve watched our residents bear out the statistics about civic participation among seniors: U.S. voter turnout increases with age, and in 2020, a whopping 71.9% of eligible U.S. voters 65 or older turned out to vote. Your voice matters, and we respect that you use it.

With the 2024 election just days away, we’ve been focused on helping residents prepare to cast their votes. Here are some key takeaways for seniors this election.

Understand New Hampshire’s absentee voting laws

New Hampshire allows you to mail in your ballot if you meet certain conditions. You can see a full list of these conditions on the New Hampshire Secretary of State’s website. For example, you can vote absentee if you will be out of town on election day or if you have a physical disability or illness that prevents you from voting in person. You can also vote absentee if the National Weather Service issues a winter storm warning for your town on election day and you’re concerned about safety.

If you’re requesting an absentee ballot by mail, you have until 12 p.m. on Nov. 4 to do so, or until 5 p.m. on Nov. 4 if you’re requesting one in person.

Handicap accessibility and voting

In 1984, New Hampshire voters amended the State Constitution to require all polling places to be accessible to people with disabilities. If an unforeseen accessibility issue arises when you arrive at your polling location, an election official will assist you in casting your ballot from your parked vehicle using the Absentee Voter process.

Also, if you have a disability that impedes your ability to read printed text, you can apply for an Accessible Electronic Absentee Ballot.

Make a plan

Even if you’ve voted many times in the past, it’s a good idea to make a plan for voting this year. This could mean arranging for transportation to the polls, or perhaps organizing a carpool with your friends. If you live in a retirement community, ask the staff about any transportation they may be providing residents for voting day.

Research candidates online

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Thanks to the internet, learning where candidates stand is easier than ever. Start by getting a copy of your sample ballot. This will show you the names of everyone running for office where you live. You can access sample ballots via the NH Secretary of State’s website or call your local clerk’s office to learn more. Once you have the names in front of you, its fairly easy to find their campaign websites outlining their positions. You can also visit the nonpartisan nonprofit website CitizensCount.org, which surveys all candidates in every election.

Meet the candidates

New Hampshire voters have many opportunities to engage with their candidates in person.

RiverWoods Manchester’s active Civics & Voter Information Committee launched a ‘Get Out and Vote’ campaign beginning in January led by committee chair, Diana Spradling. Throughout the year the committee has hosted a variety of candidates, organized discussion panels, and run educational workshops on topics like the electoral college or the priorities of Gen Z voters. Their nonpartisan mission is to empower fellow residents to participate in voting practices, use their voice, and be highly informed voters.

Even in these contentious times, voting is among the most rewarding ways to participate in our democracy. I hope these ideas help New Hampshire seniors make their voices heard on Election Day!