President Joe Biden’s Write-In Campaign in the 2024 New Hampshire Primary: An In-Depth Exploration
Introduction:
In a remarkable turn of events, President Joe Biden’s name will be conspicuously absent from the Democratic ballot in the 2024 New Hampshire primary due to a disagreement over the primary date. Undeterred, a dedicated group of New Hampshire Democrats has embarked on an ambitious write-in campaign to ensure that Biden secures a victory in the first-in-the-nation primary. This article delves into the intricacies of this write-in effort, examining its origins, objectives, strategies, and challenges.
The Genesis of the Write-In Campaign:
1. DNC’s Reshuffling of the Primary Calendar:
In 2023, under President Biden’s guidance, the Democratic National Committee (DNC) altered the primary calendar, elevating South Carolina to the forefront of the nominating contest to amplify diverse voices early on.
2. New Hampshire’s Legal Obligation and Republican Resistance:
New Hampshire law mandates it to hold the first primary in the country. However, its Republican-led legislature refused to accommodate the DNC’s calendar change, resulting in a clash between state and national party interests.
3. Biden’s Decision to Withdraw from New Hampshire Primary:
Citing concerns about potential delegate penalties from the national party, President Biden opted not to compete in the New Hampshire primary, leaving his supporters determined to find an alternative path to victory.
The Write-In Campaign: A Grassroots Endeavor:
1. Granite State Write-In:
A grassroots organization called Granite State Write-In has rallied over 1,200 volunteers to advocate for Biden’s write-in candidacy. With limited resources, the group focuses on erecting yard signs, attending local Democratic meetings, and mobilizing volunteers to spread the word about the write-in option.
2. Granite for America Super PAC:
Former New Hampshire Democratic Party Chair Kathy Sullivan established a super PAC, Granite for America, to bolster the write-in effort. The organization has disseminated mailers and engaged in digital advertising to encourage support for Biden’s write-in candidacy, amplifying the grassroots efforts of Granite State Write-In.
The Write-In Process: A Practical Guide:
1. Identifying the Write-In Line:
The Democratic ballot will feature 21 names, leaving an empty line labeled “write-in” at the bottom. Voters must carefully locate this line to ensure their vote for Biden is counted accurately.
2. Filling in the Write-In Line:
To cast a write-in vote for Biden, voters must mark the oval next to the “write-in” line and legibly print Biden’s full name in the space provided. The Secretary of State’s office has clarified that votes will be counted as long as the intent to vote for Biden is evident.
Biden’s Prospects in New Hampshire:
1. Public Opinion Polls:
Recent surveys indicate strong support for Biden in New Hampshire. A USA TODAY/Suffolk University/Boston Globe poll revealed that 64% of likely Democratic primary voters intend to back Biden, despite his absence from the ballot.
2. Write-In Organizers’ Cautious Approach:
Despite the polls, organizers of the write-in campaign maintain modest expectations for Biden’s margin of victory. They recognize the challenges of a write-in campaign and are working tirelessly to educate voters about the process and encourage participation.
Historical Precedents for Successful Write-In Campaigns:
1. Lisa Murkowski’s Victory in Alaska:
In 2010, Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski mounted a successful write-in campaign after losing the Republican primary. Murkowski’s victory demonstrated the viability of write-in campaigns, providing hope to Biden’s supporters in New Hampshire.
Challenges and Significance of the Write-In Effort:
1. The Unconventional Nature of the Campaign:
Write-in campaigns require heightened levels of voter education and mobilization due to their unique nature. Voters must be made aware of the write-in option and instructed on how to properly cast a write-in vote.
2. Potential Impact on Biden’s Reelection Chances:
A loss in New Hampshire, even in an unsanctioned primary, could generate negative headlines and raise concerns about Biden’s 2024 reelection prospects. A poor showing could embolden his critics and undermine his standing within the Democratic Party.
Conclusion:
The write-in campaign for President Joe Biden in the 2024 New Hampshire primary represents an extraordinary effort to safeguard the president’s position in the first-in-the-nation primary despite his absence from the ballot. While the campaign faces significant obstacles, it underscores the resilience and dedication of New Hampshire Democrats in supporting their preferred candidate. The outcome of this write-in campaign will undoubtedly shape the narrative surrounding the 2024 presidential election, potentially influencing the dynamics of the Democratic Party and the broader political landscape.