Municipal Election Filing Period Opens September 2, 2025

Kelli Barnaby, City Clerk for the City of Portsmouth NH, has announced the filing period for candidates interested in running for office in the Municipal Election on Tuesday, November 4, 2025. The Municipal Election filing period opens Tuesday, September 2, 2025, and ends on Tuesday, September 16, 2025. 

Non-Partisan Offices
The following non-partisan offices will be filled by the Municipal Election on Tuesday, November 4, 2025:

• City Council (9 positions)
• School Board (5 positions)
• Fire Commission (2 positions)
• Police Commission (2 positions) 

Requirements for Filing 
Any candidate filing for the Municipal Election must be a qualified voter in the City of Portsmouth NH, shall have been a resident of the City for at least two years immediately preceding the last Municipal Election, and may not hold any other Municipal Office once elected. Declarations of Candidacy will be accepted in the City Clerk’s office during regular business hours. All the filings must be made in person. The filing fee is $5 or it is free with the submittal of a petition with fifty signatures of qualified voters in the City.

City Clerk Office Hours
The City Clerk’s office is open on Mondays, 8 am to 6 pm, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8 am to 4:30 pm, Wednesdays, 9 am to 4:30 pm, and Fridays, 8 am to 1 pm. The office will have extended hours on Tuesday, September 16 from 8 am to 5 pm for candidates wishing to file.

Partisan Offices
Partisan Ward Officials seeking a Declaration of Candidacy (Moderator, Ward Clerk, Selectman, and Registrar of Voters) should contact their Party Chair, as these candidates are decided by Party Caucus. The filing fee is $1. For more information, visit: portsnh.co/votinginfo.