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NH Secretary of State Pushes Back on Trump's DOJ Voter Registration Inquiry, Defends Election Practices
- Granite Eagle
- Jul 28
- 2 min read
CONCORD- New Hampshire election officials have responded to a broad inquiry from the U.S. Department of Justice, defending the state’s voter registration process and affirming its compliance with the Help America Vote Act (HAVA).
The DOJ’s June 25 letter requested detailed information on how New Hampshire maintains its statewide voter registration system—including how it verifies registrants, removes ineligible voters, protects the voter database, and coordinates with other state agencies.
In its response, the Secretary of State’s Office provided a thorough explanation of the state’s procedures, noting that New Hampshire meets or exceeds federal requirements in all areas outlined. Officials also addressed concerns raised by the DOJ regarding the language used on the state’s voter registration form, which requires voters to affirm that New Hampshire is their sole domicile.
The DOJ suggested the form's language might deter eligible voters, but state officials disagreed.
“The form clearly communicates the legal qualifications to vote in New Hampshire,” the letter stated, adding that the language reflects long-standing state law and is routinely supported by local election officials during the registration process.
New Hampshire allows voters to register in person at the polls on Election Day or in advance through their local clerk. Voters may also register by mail under certain conditions, such as when requesting an absentee ballot due to disability or temporary absence.
The DOJ also requested a copy of the state’s full voter registration list—including both active and inactive voters—but the state declined, citing legal restrictions and voter privacy protections.
Officials outlined how the state coordinates with the Departments of Motor Vehicles, Corrections, and Vital Records to maintain accurate voter rolls. Procedures include cross-checking for deaths, felony convictions, and duplicate registrations. The state confirmed it does not verify registration information using Social Security data and thus has no agreement with the Social Security Administration.
The letter comes amid ongoing federal oversight of elections as President Donald Trump begins his second term, with election integrity continuing to be a policy focus in Washington. State officials emphasized, however, that New Hampshire's decentralized, town-based election system remains both transparent and secure.
While the DOJ inquiry is part of a routine federal review under HAVA, the exchange highlights a careful balance between federal oversight and state-level election administration. New Hampshire’s response reflects confidence in its existing practices and a continued emphasis on voter access and local control.
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