Pilgrims Vote 2022

Above image: NEC student Eli Guillomaitre informs fellow students about how to vote in the election on November 8.

Pilgrims, it’s time to vote!
November 8, 2022

NEC’s Center for Civic Engagement wants you to know that voting is easy for NEC students (even if you live out of state the rest of the year). Plus, we will even walk with you to our local polling place!

FAQs:

Who will be on the ballot?
This is the midterm election, which means that you will be voting for candidates who represent you, as a student and resident of New Hampshire. This election will determine who becomes governor, US senator, representative in Congress, executive councilor, state senator, state representatives, sheriff, county attorney, county treasurer, register of deeds, register of probate, and county commissioner. View this sample ballot for Henniker.

Why should I bother voting?
It’s important to vote because you have a voice. In our country, all votes are counted equally. As Secretary of State David Scanlan said during a recent event on campus, your vote counts just as much as the president’s vote. Elected officials are expected to represent the people. That includes you. Find out where the candidates stand on the issues that matter to you and make an informed decision.

Who can vote in the United States?
To vote, you must be a U.S. Citizen who is 18 years or older.

Can I vote on Tuesday even if I don’t live in NH the rest of the year?
Yes! If you live in another state the rest of the year, being a college student in NH means that you can register here and vote in this election. Next time you move and want to vote in another location, you will reregister and follow the voting laws of that location. It’s easy.

Does living in a dorm at NEC mean that I can vote in NH?
Yes! As a residential college student, New Hampshire law says you can register and vote in the town where you go to school. To make it really easy, NEC sent the Poll Moderator a list of names of all students who live on campus.

Where do I vote if I live near campus?
Anyone who lives in Henniker, including those who live in a dorm, vote at the Henniker Community School, located at 51 Western Avenue.

What if I’m not registered?
Not to worry! Registering to vote is a way of stating that you do live in New Hampshire right now. In New Hampshire, you can register the same day that you vote. You do this at the same and place where you vote.

How do I vote if I commute to campus from another town?
You must vote in the town where you live. In New Hampshire, you can register the same day that you vote. Same-day registration takes place where you vote. Check your town website for more information.

Will I have time to vote on Tuesday?
Yes! Voting is quick, and the polls are open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

What do I need to be able to vote?
You are expected to bring an ID with you to the polls. An ID could be a driver’s license (even if it is out of state), a student ID, passport, or any form of government-issued ID. This allows the poll workers to verify that you can vote here. If you live off-campus and are not registered, bring your ID and a utility bill or lease agreement with your name on it. If you do not have an ID or proof of residency, you can still vote. You will be asked to sign an affidavit, which is a piece of paper stating that you do live on campus or in Henniker.

What will the ballot look like?
Sample ballots are posted for each election. View a sample Henniker ballot so you can know the candidates and make an informed decision.

How do I get to the polls?
The polling location is the Henniker Community School, located at 51 Western Avenue. It is .3 miles from campus and only a 6-minute walk. There is also parking if you prefer to drive.

VOTE TOGETHER!
The Center for Civic Engagement is planning a few group walks. Show that PILGRIMS VOTE and join us! We will meet outside Gilmore Dining Hall on Tuesday, November 8, near the big blue New England College sign at the following times:
10:30 a.m.
1:00 p.m.
2:00 p.m.
5:00 p.m.

Professor Colleen McElveen
Professor Nathan Shrader
NEC Center for Civic Engagement

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