Why I am So Proud of New Hampshire Voters / Poll Workers – And a Message to All

For the next few days, we are going to read an unlimited number of political articles, see an unlimited number of political ads, LOTS of complaining from ALL political parties, and so on.

It is going to be a lot to take in.

And I am NOT here talking about my views or if I am happy with the results or not. That does not matter.

What matters is what I saw around New Hampshire, specifically what I witnessed in Portsmouth, NH all day on election day, Tuesday, November 5, 2024.

1. VOTER TURN OUT.

I have only been a part of a few elections; however, I have NEVER seen or heard of voter turnout being as strong as yesterday's was.

We will not know exactly how many people went out and voted for some time; therefore, I cannot say "it was the biggest voter turnout since..." But anecdotally, it felt like more people were empowered to vote this year than any other.

And that is what democracy is all about. Not convincing other voters to vote for your side. Not saying "My vote does not matter." Democracy means EVERYONE (with minor restrictions) has their own right to vote based on their own damn beliefs.

I loved seeing so many people practicing that right.

2. UNBELIEVABLE POLL EMPLOYEES.

Because of the long lines, late night, and uneasiness surrounding the election, I was prepared for people to be on edge...even grumpy.

The workers, who were registering people the same day, dealing with half-mile-long voting lines, and likely managing some anxious voters, were doing all with a smile.

I could NOT work on election day. Too much stress. FAR too much work. And what was the pay? Certainly not enough.

To the election workers in New Hampshire, thank you. Thank you for being as organized as possible and as positive as possible. You made an anxious voting period as positive and happy as it could be!

My message to all fellow 603ers: stay humble, stay positive, stay together.

Whether you like the results of the election or not, this is how democracy works. People vote - majority wins (there is a lot more that goes into it, I know).

If we can all wait in a two-hour voting line together without a fistfight breaking out, we can all accept each other's beliefs and right to those beliefs.

We do not all have to agree, but we should all be respectful of one another.