Polls will soon close in New Hampshire’s unusual Democratic presidential primary, marking the moment when voters’ willingness to write in President Joe Biden’s name will be revealed. New Hampshire, traditionally the first state to hold its primary, faced consequences from the Democratic National Committee (DNC) for flouting the decision to elevate South Carolina to the lead slot. As a result, the DNC stripped New Hampshire of its delegates and deemed Tuesday’s contest meaningless. However, two longshot candidates, Rep. Dean Phillips of Minnesota and self-help author Marianne Williamson, decided to compete regardless, hoping to gain some momentum. While the primary lacks tangible rewards, it is seen as a test of Biden’s strength during a time when many Democrats are apprehensive. The apprehensions have prompted New Hampshire Democrats to mount a campaign to educate voters on how to write in Biden’s name among the 21 official Democratic candidates on the ballot. Their aim is not only to prevent the embarrassment of Biden finishing behind Phillips or Williamson but also to reassure nervous Democrats about his prospects against likely Republican nominee Donald Trump. The New Hampshire Secretary of State has confirmed that write-in votes will be counted as long as the voter’s intent can be reasonably determined, even if there are misspellings of Biden’s name.
Experts weighing in on the New Hampshire primary believe it holds some significance despite its unofficial status. One campaign advisor, speaking on the condition of anonymity, stated, Even though the primary lacks the DNC’s stamp of approval, it still provides an indication of President Biden’s popularity among voters. It’s essential to gauge the sentiment within the party, especially with concerns over potential GOP competition and the upcoming general election. While Biden’s official campaign appears to be dismissing the unsanctioned primary, individuals close to the president are paying attention to the Granite State’s outcome, predicting little impact beyond Wednesday.
Amidst the unorthodox event, the situation has prompted concerns over the potential impact of misspelled write-in votes. However, the New Hampshire Secretary of State has reassured citizens that as long as the voter’s intention can be reasonably determined, even with minor errors or misspellings, the votes will be considered valid. This clarification sought to alleviate worries among Biden supporters who fear their votes may not count due to accidental mistakes.
New Hampshire voters have responded with mixed opinions. Jane Adams, a long-time Democratic voter from Manchester, stated, I think it’s ridiculous that the DNC punished New Hampshire for sticking to tradition. It’s our right to have the first primary, and Biden supporters still want to show their support. I hope people take the time to write his name correctly, though. In contrast, John Davis, an independent voter from Concord, expressed skepticism, saying, It’s a meaningless primary anyway. I’m not convinced writing in Biden’s name will make much of a difference. The DNC made their decision, and New Hampshire should follow the rules.
The primary results in New Hampshire will shed light on the level of enthusiasm among Democratic voters in the state and provide insights into Biden’s overall standing among party members. While the primary lacks the official weight of delegate allocation, it serves as a barometer for Biden’s potential vulnerabilities and strengths. Campaign strategists will be watching closely to determine the impact on future primaries and the overall mood of the Democratic Party as they gear up for the general election.
In conclusion, New Hampshire Democrats eagerly await the outcome of their state’s write-in primary, curious to see how many voters will choose to write President Joe Biden’s name on the ballot. Despite being stripped of delegates by the DNC, the primary is seen as a litmus test for Biden’s strength and popularity within the Democratic Party. The New Hampshire Secretary of State has assured voters that write-in votes for Biden will be counted as long as the intent can be reasonably determined. The unofficial primary has sparked mixed reactions among voters, reflecting the ongoing debate over tradition, rules, and the significance of the first-in-the-nation primary. As the primary concludes, the results will provide valuable insights into the perceptions and ambitions surrounding Biden’s candidacy, potentially influencing the trajectory of future primaries and the general election.
