REMINDER: Municipal Election - Tuesday, November 2, 2021

Make an Informed Decision

Candidate Forums

  • VIDEO: Municipal Candidates Forum – 10/25/21. Presented by the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce. Click here to watch.
  • VIDEO: School Board Candidates Forum – 10/27/21. Presented by Rochester Listens. Click here to watch.

Police Commission & Election Officials

  • The Municipal Election also includes seats for Police Commission and Election Officials. You can find a sample ballot by visiting the City Clerk’s webpage.

Municipal Ballot Questions

  • The 2021 Municipal Ballot will include seven questions relative to changes in the City Charter. Sample ballots and an accompanying informational sheet can be obtained at the City Clerk’s Office, or by visiting the City website here: Election Information | Rochester NH
  • To listen to an excerpt from the Choose Rochester Podcast (with added visual guide) in which Matt Wyatt, Public Information Manager, and City Attorney Terence O'Rouke discuss the Ballot Questions that will appear on the Municipal Ballot, click here.

How to Vote in Rochester, NH

Introduction:

Make a plan to Vote on Election Day

Voting is an important civic duty and the Rochester City Clerk wants to help make your voice heard. The purpose of this guide is to assist anyone looking to participate in upcoming elections.

First-time voter or new to Rochester? Voting can sometimes feel daunting or confusing to anyone new to the process. Reach out to the staff in the City Clerk’s Office to help answer questions and assist with the registration process.


Start Here

Register to Vote

New voters are encouraged to visit the City Clerk’s Office to register to vote. You can also register to vote at your polling location on the day of the election.

Find your Ward

Click here to find your Ward online or call the City Clerk at (603) 332-2130.

Frequently asked question: What’s a Ward? Wards are electoral districts used in a city for local elections and polling. It’s essentially where your neighborhood goes to vote.

Polling Locations

  • WARD 1: East Rochester Elementary School - 773 Portland Street, East Rochester
  • WARD 2: Chamberlain Street School - 65 Chamberlain Street School, Rochester
  • WARD 3: Gonic Elementary School - 10 Railroad Avenue, Rochester
  • WARD 4: McClelland Elementary School - 59 Brock Street, Rochester
  • WARD 5: James W. Foley Memorial Community Center - 150 Wakefield Street/Community Way, Rochester 
  • WARD 6: Elks Lodge #1393 - 295 Columbus Avenue, Rochester

Sample Ballots

Sample Ballots are posted on the City Clerk’s website before every election. Click here to visit the Elections page.

Frequently asked question: What’s a Sample Ballot? A sample ballot is a document to help voters prepare for an election. Sample ballots usually provide the voter's polling place and hours, and contain an image of what the actual ballot looks like, including candidates, questions, and instructions for voting. 

Absentee Ballots

Absentee Ballot Request Forms are available at the City Clerk’s Office and online. Absentee Ballots will be processed starting at 9am on Election Day.

Frequently asked question: What’s an Absentee Ballot? An absentee ballot is a vote cast by someone who is unable or unwilling to attend the official polling station to which the voter is normally allocated. Absentee Ballots can be dropped off or mailed to the City Clerks Office.


Additional Information:

When to Vote

In accordance with RSA 659:4, and Section 47 of the City Charter – All polling places will be open from 8am to 7pm on Election Day.

Contact the City Clerk

The City Clerk’s Office is located in City Hall, 31 Wakefield Street, Rochester, NH 03867, open Monday through Friday, 8-5pm. Call (603) 332-2130 or visit the City Clerk's website for inquires, assistance, and additional information.

Additional Resources

Visit the NH Secretary of State's website for additional information and resources.