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Sununu Vetoes Moving N.H. State Primary Earlier

Governor Sununu photo
Dan Tuohy / NHPR
In his veto message, Gov. Sununu cited the potential for reduced turnout due to summer vacations.

Gov. Chris Sununu vetoed a bill to shift the state primary day from early September to early August.

Sununu said moving the primary day would conflict with people's summer vacations and lead to reduced turnout.

He added it could make it harder for cities and towns to recruit poll workers and Election Day volunteers.

New Hampshire's September primary is one of the latest in the country. People who support holding it earlier say it would give lesser-known candidates and candidates vying in primaries, more time to compete against incumbents.

Moving the state primary day has long been opposed by the state's top election official, Secretary of State Bill Gardner.

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I cover campaigns, elections, and government for NHPR. Stories that attract me often explore New Hampshire’s highly participatory political culture. I am interested in how ideologies – doctrinal and applied – shape our politics. I like to learn how voters make their decisions and explore how candidates and campaigns work to persuade them.
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