As we move on from Iowa and continue into primary season, today, New Hampshire voters will be participating in what is known as a “semi-closed” primary. Although not as complicated as Iowa’s caucus system, New Hampshire’s “semi-closed” primary entail that registered members of each party can vote in their respective primaries, but so can registered independents. This means anyone who is registered “undeclared” in New Hampshire can affiliate with a party at the polling location, and then vote in the primary.
In the latest polls, Businessman Donald Trump continues to lead the polls at 31% for the GOP, a significant lead over Florida Senator Marco Rubio, who is currently polling at 15%. Texas Senator Ted Cruz follows Rubio close with 13%. On the Democratic side, Senator Bernie Sanders continues to hold his advantage over Democratic rival Hillary Clinton, 54% to 40%.
New Hampshire Polling Snapshot (CNN)
Delegates at Stake
23 delegates are at stake for the Republicans in New Hampshire’s primary. On the Democratic side, 32 delegates are at stake; 8 of the 32 delegates are known as “superdelegates,” who are not bound by the results of the primary. Superdelegates will cast their vote at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in July.
Betting on the New Hampshire Primary (Forbes)
New Hampshire to Dodge Primary-Day Snowstorm (Politico)
Polls will open in the morning and close roughly around 7:00 PM EST. Stay tuned with NAfME for the results and analysis of the primary.
Ronny Lau, Legislative Policy Advisor, Center for Advocacy, Policy, and Constituency Engagement, February 9, 2016. © National Association for Music Education (NAfME.org)
