Town Meeting Day is coming up on Tuesday, March 12, and with it comes your chance to elect Town and School District officers.

If you’re not registered to vote, it’s quick and easy. If you’ll be out of town or homebound on voting day, casting an absentee vote is also easy. There’s no excuse not to vote.

The information below is taken almost verbatim from the New Hampshire Secretary of State’s Election Division Web site. The easiest way to get there is via the “Voting In NH” link under “Town Info” at AndoverBeacon.com.

For more information about registering or voting, contact Joanna Sumner, our Town Clerk, at 735-5332.

Who Can Register

New Hampshire residents who will be 18 years of age or older on election day, and a United States citizen, may register with the town or city clerk where they live up to 10 days before any election.

You may also register on Election Day at the polling place. The Town Clerk’s office can inform voters of what proof of qualification they should bring to register.

There is no minimum period of time you are required to have lived in the state before being allowed to register. You may register as soon as you move into your new community.

How To Register

Apply to your Town Clerk’s office. You will be required to fill out a voter registration form and show proof of age, citizenship, and domicile.

Qualified individuals may also register to vote at the polling place on Election Day at all elections. You will be asked to show proof of age, citizenship, and domicile.

Absentee Registration

If you meet the state’s voter requirements and are unable to register in person because of physical disability, religious beliefs, military service, or because of temporary absence, you may register by mail. Request an absentee voter registration affidavit and a standard voter registration form from your Town Clerk.

The absentee voter registration affidavit must be witnessed and then both the affidavit and the voter registration form are to be returned to your Town Clerk.

Absentee Ballots

Voting by mail with an absentee ballot is limited to a person who is unable to vote in person because of:

• a religious commitment

• a physical disability

• an employment commitment

• plans to be absent from the town where they are eligible to vote.

An absentee ballot is available 30 days prior to an election. Submit a request in writing to Joanna Sumner, Town Clerk, PO Box 61, Andover 03216. You must include your name, local address, mailing address (if different), and your signature.

Town clerks may accept completed absentee ballots submitted in person until 5 PM the day before an election or until 5 PM on election day if received through the mail.