New Hampshire Primary 2024 Voting Schedule, Candidates, and Process Explained

As New Hampshire voters prepare to participate in the first primary election of the 2024 campaign, there are key developments shaping this electoral event.

President Biden's Absence

Notably, President Biden will not appear on the New Hampshire primary ballot, prompting his supporters to launch a write-in campaign in support of the likely Democratic presidential nominee.

Republican Primary Competition

Meanwhile, the Republican primary is set to be competitive, with former U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Nikki Haley seeking to challenge former President Donald Trump's front-runner status in the state, where the electorate is more moderate than in other areas.

Voting Schedule and Reporting

Outcome Reporting Guidelines

The New Hampshire Secretary of State, David Scanlan, and Attorney General John Formella have advised local election officials on the reporting of results. Should write-in votes on the Democratic side take longer to count, guidance allows for the release of Republican results earlier, provided that appropriate reconciliation has taken place for that party.

Polling Details

The hours of polling places in New Hampshire vary, with most opening between 6 a.m. and 8 a.m. ET. Notably, the tradition of midnight voting in the tiny community of Dixville Notch, which began in 1960, will mark the commencement of the electoral process.

Polling Closure Time

Most polling sites in New Hampshire close at 7 p.m. ET, with a few open until 8 p.m. ET. However, Dixville Notch represents an exception, as polls close a few minutes after opening once all its voters have cast their ballots.

Result Release Protocol

New Hampshire primary results begin to trickle in once polls close, historically with a substantial portion of votes counted within a few hours of polling closure. The New Hampshire secretary of state's office emphasizes that polling places that close earlier can announce their results as soon as they have them, without waiting for other communities to finish voting.

It's essential to note that CBS News does not characterize or project the outcome of the race before the last poll closes at 8 p.m. ET.

As the 2024 New Hampshire Primary unfolds, these key details will shape the electoral process and the reporting of results. The unique circumstances surrounding candidate participation and reporting protocols underscore the significance of this pivotal event in the U.S. political landscape.