Open Democracy’s Age Strong Voting Program works to ensure that older adults across New Hampshire continue to have access to the ballot box and the information they need to participate in elections with confidence.

Recent changes to New Hampshire’s absentee voting laws have created additional identification requirements for voters requesting absentee ballots. Since September 30, 2025, voters requesting absentee ballots must now verify their identity using ONE of the following methods:

• Including a photocopy of their ID with their absentee ballot application;
• Providing a notarized signature on their absentee ballot application; or
• Presenting an ID or notarized signature in person to their town or city clerk (or designee) before being issued an absentee ballot.

For many voters—especially seniors, people with disabilities, rural residents, and individuals with limited transportation or technology access—these additional steps can create confusion and logistical challenges.

That’s why Open Democracy launched the Age Strong Voting Program: to provide trusted voter education, practical assistance, and community support so eligible voters can continue participating in our democracy.

What the Program Does

The Age Strong Voting Program combines direct voter assistance, community outreach, and volunteer engagement across the state. Major components of the program include:

• Coordinating a statewide volunteer notary network to assist voters who need notarized absentee ballot applications;
• Providing voter education materials and information to Meals on Wheels recipients and partner organizations;
• Giving presentations at senior centers, retirement communities, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes;
• Working with retirement facilities and long-term care staff to help answer questions and navigate changes to election law;
• Supporting caregivers, families, and community organizations assisting older voters;
• Connecting voters with resources and one-on-one assistance when barriers arise.

Volunteer Notary Program

A key part of the initiative is our volunteer notary program.

Volunteer notaries help eligible absentee voters complete the notarization requirement free of charge and within their communities. Many of the voters assisted through this program are longtime participants in our democracy who simply need help navigating new administrative hurdles.

By volunteering as a notary, you can help ensure that older and homebound Granite Staters are still able to make their voices heard.

Get Involved

We are always looking for volunteers, community partners, and notaries to join this effort.

To learn more or get involved, please contact our Age Strong Coordinator Ursula Maldonado at:
[email protected]