By By Sentinel Staff

Copyright keenesentinel

Keene’s municipal primary is just weeks away. Here’s what you need to know about voting in the upcoming elections:

When and where is the primary?

The city primary is slated for Oct. 7, and polls in all five wards will be open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

These locations are:

Ward 1: Michael E.J. Blastos Community Room at 400 Marlboro St. (near the Keene Police Department)Ward 2: Keene Parks and Recreation at 312 Washington St.Ward 3: Keene Middle School at 167 Maple Ave. Ward 4: Symonds School at 79 Park Ave.Ward 5: Monadnock Covenant Church at 90 Base Hill Road

What ward do I live in?

A map of the wards and the polling locations can be found at https://keenenh.gov/city-clerk/elections-voting/

How do I register at the polls to vote?

People must be a U.S. citizen and at least 18 years old by Oct. 7 to vote. They must also live in Keene to participate in the city’s elections.

First-time voters need to bring:

Proof of identity and age, such as a driver’s license or other government-issued photo IDProof of citizenship, such as a U.S. passport or passport card, birth certificate or naturalization documentsProof of address, such as a driver’s license, utility bill or a lease with the person’s home address

When registering, individuals will need to prove they are qualified. For a complete list of acceptable documents, people can visit www.sos.nh.gov/elections/register-vote.

People without acceptable documentation will not be able to register to vote, according to the N.H. Secretary of State’s Office.

How do I register to vote before the elections?

To vote at the polls or by absentee ballot, people can bring the required documents to the Keene City Clerk’s Office. The last day to register at the city clerk’s office ahead of the primary is Tuesday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The supervisors of the checklist will meet on Thursday, Sept. 25, at the City Hall lobby from 7-7:30 p.m., and voters can also register there to vote in the primary.

What if I’m already registered?

Per state law, voters must show a valid photo ID such as a driver’s license or a non-driver card to cast their ballot.

Unlike in previous years, there’s no option to sign an affidavit in lieu of providing documents.

What if I need an absentee ballot?

Absentee ballots are allowed in New Hampshire only under certain circumstances, including incarceration, a disability, and a work or religious commitment that prevents people from being able to go to the polls.

A qualifying person can request an absentee ballot anytime until the day before the primary.

Before Tuesday, Sept. 30, people wishing to vote by absentee ballot need to fill out and submit a form at the city clerk’s office.

After Sept. 30, people wishing to vote by absentee ballot must provide proof of citizenship and age in addition to proof of their home address and identity, according to the city of Keene.

If mailing their absentee ballot applications after Sept. 30, people must include copies of their photo ID or a notarized signature of their absentee ballot application.