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Live updates: Primary Election Day in NH

Published September 8, 2026 at 7:02 AM EDT
It's Election Day in Gilford — and across New Hampshire today.
Annmarie Timmins
/
NHPR
It's Election Day in Gilford — and across New Hampshire.

NHPR’s news team is speaking to voters and pollworkers across New Hampshire for the state primary election today. Follow our live updates here throughout the day.

Voter hotlines

Election Day Hotlines

Updated September 8, 2026 at 8:26 AM EDT
Posted September 8, 2026 at 8:30 AM EDT

The New Hampshire Attorney General’s office hotline is 1-866-868-3703 (866-VOTER03), and email at electionlaw@doj.nh.gov. The Secretary of State’s office mainline is at 603-271-3242, or elections@sos.nh.gov

How to file an election law complaint

According to the Secretary of State’s office, if you have witnessed efforts to commit any kind of alleged fraud or corruption in the voting process, you may report it to the moderator at your polling place, and to the state Attorney General’s hotline and email above, as well as the Secretary of State’s office.

For alleged federal offenses, you may also notify the U.S. Attorney in New Hampshire at 603-225-1552. If you have witnessed alleged acts or attempted acts of discrimination or intimidation in the voting process, you may report it to the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice at (202) 514-4609.

Polling place visibility

Voters in Gilford and Laconia up early

Updated September 8, 2026 at 8:10 AM EDT
Posted September 8, 2026 at 8:14 AM EDT

In Gilford

A Gilford voter outside the polls on NH primary election day Sept. 8
Annmarie Timmins
/
NHPR
Jack Landow, 84, a Democrat from Gilford, said he is looking for candidates who are running for something instead of criticizing their opponents. He said both parties are paying too little attention to the rising cost of living.

In Laconia

Democrat Hazel Zimmer, 84, of Laconia, was at the polls in Laconia’s Ward 3 by 7 a.m.

Among her top issues is abolishing ICE. She said her granddaughter, who was adopted from Cambodia, was stopped by the police while visiting family in New Hampshire. The police were considerate but Zimmer worries that others could have a different experience based on the color of their skin.

— Annmarie Timmins

Democrat Hazel Zimmer, 84, of Laconia, was at the polls in Laconia
Annmarie Timmins
/
NHPR
Democrat Hazel Zimmer, 84, of Laconia, was at the polls in Laconia’s Ward 3 by 7 a.m. on Sept. 8, 2026.

A look at the top of the ballot

Primary Primers

Updated September 8, 2026 at 7:51 AM EDT
Posted September 8, 2026 at 7:56 AM EDT

Just tuning in after summer vacation or the long weekend? Catch up quick with these primary primers on the top races:

There are always a good number of voters who are undecided right up to the time they head to the polls. If this is you, you're not alone. Here's a helpful guide: A procrastinator’s guide to the NH state primary

These primers were first published as part of NHPR’s Rundown newsletter. Click here to get this email in your inbox.

How busy will the polls be today?

Voter turnout predictions

Posted September 8, 2026 at 7:22 AM EDT

The forecast calls for a mostly sunny day with temps in the 70s. Perfect weather to go to your local polling place, right?

Whether weather’s a factor is one thing. A primary election coming right after a Labor Day holiday is another. Secretary of State David Scanlan told reporters last week he wasn’t sure how that holiday would affect turnout, but he expects good turnout today.

His turnout predictions:

  • Republicans: 145,751
  • Democrats: 103,024

He based his numbers on 888,475 total registered voters in the state, as of Aug. 10. Of that total, undeclared voters numbered 347,160, Republicans 297,451, and Democrats 243,764.

“It’s going to be a strong, normal turnout,” Scanlan said. “I am not anticipating that we’re going to, you know, break any records this time.”

Secretary of State David Scanlan said he expects strong voter turnout for the primary election today. (NHPR file photo: Manchester polls)
Dan Tuohy
/
NHPR
Secretary of State David Scanlan said he expects strong voter turnout for the primary election today. (NHPR file photo: Manchester polls)

What’s at stake? Who are you voting for?

Posted September 8, 2026 at 7:08 AM EDT

These are party primaries today. So, there is a Democratic primary ballot and a Republican primary ballot. At this time, these two parties are the only official political parties recognized in New Hampshire.

Undeclared voters, sometimes called independent voters, will be required to choose either a Democratic or Republican ballot when they vote.

Who’s on the ballot? Candidates for governor, U.S. Senate, Congress, Executive Council, state Senate, state House, and county offices such as sheriff and county attorney. Republican primary ballots will also have delegates to the state party convention.

The nominees of the parties will face each other in the general election Nov. 3.

Check out sample ballots.

It's Primary Election Day

Here’s where and how to vote in NH

Posted September 8, 2026 at 7:03 AM EDT

The state primary election is underway in New Hampshire.

You can find your polling place and polling hours here and you can also look up your voter registration status. The polls in Manchester and Nashua, our two largest cities, opened at 6 a.m.

New Hampshire does allow same-day registration, so voters can register at the polls on Election Day. See related story: Get ready to vote in NH: How to register, what documents to bring and more

Don’t forget to bring documents to prove your:

  • identity, 
  • age (at least 18 years old), 
  • citizenship,
  • domicile – your primary residential address. 

A driver’s license, government-issued photo ID, or passport are acceptable proof of identity and age. See these Secretary of State links for more information on Election Day voting and required documentation.

Watch this video from NHPR's Gia Orsino for a step-by-step process for voting today.

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