My newly adopted home state of New Hampshire is proud to host the "First in the Nation" primary. Tiny Dixville Notch in the northern part of the state begins voting just after midnight. 9 whole votes were cast in that tiny little hamlet. Can you believe that?
Yes, sirree....New Hampshire has been the place to be!
I have to say that I am not political by any means and I am not excited about any of the people who are running for election at all - Democrat or Republican. Having said that, since this is the first major election since we relocated, I had to get in on the action and exercise my right to vote. The whole process was so interesting.
I wasn't registered to vote here until today. In New Hampshire, you can register at the polls. A current driver's license and proof of my home address was all that I needed to sign up to vote. I filled out a short form and presented my credentials for review and off to get my ballot I went. New Hampshire, unlike Louisiana, does not have a closed primary. While it's technically not open so that anyone, regardless of party affiliation, can vote in either primary. In New Hampshire, if you are an undeclared voter like myself (not affiliated with either party), you can vote in either the Democratic or Republican primary just by stating which ballot you would like to receive. I chose to vote in the Republican primary.
By stating which primary you would like to vote in and receiving and casting your vote, you automatically become affiliated with that party.
But here in the "Live Free or Die" state, they are not going to lock you into being a Democrat or Republican. If you wish to return to an "undeclared" voting status, all you have to do is stop by the booth by the exit door and change your affiliation back - which I did.
There were a few surprises for me on the ballot tonight. Herman Cain and Michelle Bachman were still on there (and people were actually voting for them!) Seriously people! Even I know they are no longer running for President! Why do you waste your vote like that? There was, also, a familiar name that I hadn't heard of in years....
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| via Buddy Roemer, former governor of Louisiana |
Seriously? Where have I been? At this time, with 57% of the precincts reporting, he has 475 votes. Who are these people voting for him and how did THEY know he was running? I am really out of touch, I guess.
Have fun that you got to vote in that. I was thinking about you today.
ReplyDeleteYou live in an interesting state :)
ReplyDeleteGlad you voted Candy. I'm not crazy about any of the candidates but will vote anyway to try and change what we have in office now....
ReplyDeletesigh....perilous times we live in....I'm not excited about any of the candidates either bella.....Come Quickly Lord....
ReplyDeleteI'm undeclared also but the primaries are closed in NYC. So alas, my vote will remain uncast. I have no idea who I'd vote for anyway...
ReplyDeleteMaybe they voted for him because they didn't like the other ones who were on the ballot! :)
ReplyDeleteOh I bet your town is so excited. It is going to be so busy there for a while. My husband is so interested in the primaries right now- all he does is watch the news and reports on it
ReplyDeleteBack when I was in NH they told me that by watching the results in this State, they can understand which one will win the elections. It was very interesting to know! We are supposed to have elections somewhere in March or April but to tell you the truth I am not going to vote for anyone since all these people are responsible for bringing my country to bankcruptcy and now they have the audacity to ask for my vote! Thanks but no thanks! Take care my friend and have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteIn Wisconsin it is the same thing. We register to vote when we show up at the polls. Until now, we have not needed a photo I.D. Now it is required. However, what is NOT required is proof of citizenship. How weird is that!
ReplyDeleteOh how, I love me some NH!!
ReplyDeleteFor me it is even more interesting! I never have heard that one gets affiliated with a party by "just" voting for a certain candidate. Nice I can change it back, yet I see it as troubling a voter unnecessary. The voting system here is so very different that I am somewhat glad that I never have to vote in the USA!
ReplyDeleteVery interesting indeed and I blogged about my fav potato recipe!!!! Have to get more info on political integration ;-)
What an interesting post indeed! Sounds very different from the way things are here in Louisiana. I find myself wondering why there are names still listed of Candidates who are no longer running. Even more interesting that people are voting for them? Hope you are doing well.
ReplyDeleteCute blog and lovely pictures!
ReplyDelete