New Hampshire's first-in-the-nation presidential primary has been garnering attention as the Secretary of State anticipates a record-breaking turnout. Reports from various precincts suggest a high level of participation and an enthusiastic electorate. One precinct in particular, Ward three at the Amherst Street Elementary School, has seen a significant number of voters showing support for Republican candidate Nikki Haley.
At Amherst Street Elementary School, the voting process is well underway. Voters are registering at a designated area, with the option to register on-site as well. Those who are undeclared have the opportunity to choose either a Republican or Democratic ballot. Once registered, they proceed to privacy screens to cast their vote. The completed ballots are then deposited into a black box, where they will be tabulated to determine the final vote count.
As of the latest update from the poll moderator, 1,362 votes have been cast since the polls opened at 6 am. In comparison, during the 2016 Republican primary, approximately 3,100 votes were cast overall. While it remains unclear if the current numbers will reach record levels, the Secretary of State remains optimistic about a potentially historic turnout.
Voters exiting the polling station have shared their reasons for supporting specific candidates. Many who previously voted for Donald Trump expressed satisfaction with his administration and plan to vote for him again. On the other hand, a notable number of individuals have voiced their support for Nikki Haley, citing a desire for change and a preference for someone other than Trump.
Although the current vote count suggests a strong showing, it is important to note that voter patterns may shift as the day progresses. Historically, there has been an increase in voter turnout in the evening hours as people finish work. This could lead to a surge in last-minute voters, potentially pushing the final tally higher than current indications.
However, the presence of write-in ballots introduces an element of uncertainty. The time required to count these ballots, which has been observed to be particularly unpredictable in the Democratic primary, may influence the overall duration of the final count.
As the New Hampshire primary continues, all eyes are on the turnout and the preferences of the voters. With the state's history of closely contested races, the outcome of this primary could have a significant impact on the trajectory of the presidential race. Stay tuned for the final results, which will be available as soon as the polls close at 8 pm.
