What New Hampshire Voters Want From the Midterm Election

Voters across New Hampshire will head to their local town hall, community center, elementary school or other polling place to cast their ballot in the midterm election.

Interviews with residents reveal a wide range of concerns, with many focusing on the high cost of living. Steve Short of Windham stated he wants candidates to explain how the costs of gas and groceries will decrease. Coretta Lee, a staffing operations manager in Pelham, noted that prices for electricity, gas, milk, and food are “really high,” adding that the government needs changes.

Voters Worry About Living Costs and Social Civility

The affordability of basic necessities is a recurring theme for voters. Jack Tackeff, a substitute teacher in Rye, highlighted the expense of living in New Hampshire, noting that some people are worried about their ability to pay for heating oil this winter.

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Other residents expressed concerns regarding social stability and governance:

Susan Seidner, a Christmas tree farmer in Pembroke, said “civility” is on her mind and expressed hope for a time when people can speak to one another in a “kinder way.”
Cindy Reed, a retired resident of Manchester, identified the environment as the most important issue, though she believes it is being ignored, and cited “saving democracy” as her next primary concern. Reed, who is working the polls, noted that some people are worried about doing so and hoped the process goes smoothly in Manchester and elsewhere.
Mason Johnson of Manchester called for the creation of more shelters to assist friends who are homeless. Johnson stated, I think you got to come up with more shelters or something.

Differing Political Perspectives

Voters hold conflicting views on the solutions to current national issues. Kenneth Perkins of Manchester advocated for Democratic candidates to prioritize the “working man” and “small people” over tax breaks for the wealthy and rising pharmaceutical costs. Conversely, Richard Carlton of Manchester suggested that tariffs are working to bring manufacturing jobs back to the U.S., which he attributed to the efforts of Donald Trump. Carlton said that while things are currently expensive, it’ll get better.

Other residents expressed frustration with the state of the nation. Faith Menard, a retired nurse practitioner from Bedford, said she feels the country is being destroyed and that no one has acted.

Not all residents intend to participate. Mitch Haley of Manchester stated he does not plan to vote, claiming that elected officials cannot be trusted because they often do the opposite of what they promise.