Town staff warns voters: affidavits no longer allowed and new ballot-processing machines to debut April 8

Town staff told the March 27 Merrimack Town Council that a state-level change that took effect Nov. 11, 2024 ends the use of affidavits for same-day voter registration. Under the new rules, anyone registering at the town clerk's office or at the polls on election day must present documentary proof of age and citizenship (examples cited: birth certificate, naturalization papers, U.S. passport) and a photo ID. Change-of-name documents such as marriage certificates or driver's licenses and proof of domicile (lease or utility bill) were listed as acceptable supporting documents.

Town staff warned that without the required documents registrants will be asked to obtain them and return; they will not be allowed to vote using the former affidavit process. The council asked staff to circulate a clear guidance memo to councilors about handling situations where a voter refuses to show ID; staff said they would follow up with a written answer.

On election procedures, staff said new ballot-processing machines will be used at the April 8 town election and that poll workers were trained on their use. Poll workers are not permitted to handle a voter's ballot; voters must feed their own ballot through the machine and are instructed to ensure the ballot fully enters the device. Town staff encouraged voters to watch that their ballot is fully inserted so it is collected by the tabulator.