The information contained in this article is not intended as legal advice and may no longer be accurate due to changes in the law. Consult NHMA's legal services or your municipal attorney.
And It’s a Wrap! Celebrating 100 Years of the New Hampshire Town and City Clerks Association
As the past year came to a close, the New Hampshire Town and City Clerks Association (NHCTCA) officially moved into its 101st year of service to the residents and communities of our state. Reaching the century mark offered a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the vital role town and city clerks have played—and continue to play—across New Hampshire.
Town and city clerks are an essential part of every community, connecting our shared history to our future. State legislators recognized early on that this role was critical, initially focused on maintaining records and minutes of municipal meetings. Over time, the position evolved to meet the growing needs of our communities, including a central role in administering elections.
Today, elections in New Hampshire depend on the close collaboration between town moderators and town clerks before, during, and after every election. Together, they work as one team to ensure that every election held in our state is transparent, fair, accessible to all, and that every vote counts. I truly believe New Hampshire’s town and city elections are the best—by far.
A great deal has changed over the first 100 years of the Association. Clerks have taken on responsibilities that now include voter registration and licensing, various tax-related duties, marriage licenses, birth, death, and marriage certificates, and even dog registrations. New challenges continue to emerge, from Right-to-Know laws to electric vehicles and evolving technologies. The clerk’s world is always changing, and clerks consistently rise to the occasion—wearing many hats is simply part of the job.
Most importantly, town and city clerks and their office teams are widely known as the heart of their communities. That may be the one thing that hasn’t changed over the last century—and likely never will. Clerk’s offices are often the first call when residents aren’t sure where to turn. People walk through their doors during life’s most joyful moments, such as welcoming a child, and during its most difficult, such as losing a loved one. Whether someone needs a certified copy of a marriage certificate, a divorce decree, or guidance on where to go next, the clerk’s office is there to help.
The NHCTCA would like to extend its sincere thanks to Governor Kelly Ayotte for issuing a proclamation in recognition of this milestone anniversary. We also thank Speaker of the House Sherman Packard, State Representative Waye MacDonald, Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander, and Secretary of State Dave Scanlan and his team for joining us and supporting this special celebration.