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A PRIMARY TALE
A Brief Review of the
New Hampshire
Primary
From the beginning to 1831
For almost half a century New Hampshire has led the nation with its
first-in-the-nation presidential primary. Every four years, the American people
look to New Hampshire to make that choice, of those individuals best-suited to become candidates for the Presidency of the United States.
Such a singular honor did not come by chance. The tradition developed
over the decades. Like a precious jewel, it was created, perfected, polished and preserved by the patriots who came before us.
Those who lead and have kept New Hampshire's presidential primary first in the nation hope that you, the students, will learn to value it with the same faith and dedication they applied so loyally.
Each one of us should be willing to support and cherish this enduring tradition. Every New Hampshire citizen should know the truth and the account
of its vital importance to our American history. Is it essential that citizens take
part in a primary election?
Said Secretary of State William Gardner, the state's top election official:
"If you don't vote in the primary you are, in effect, letting other people determine who will be the candidates in the general election ....
Those who don't participate in the primary are forfeiting an important
part of their citizen rights."
A Presidential Choice ...
First, we must recall the role of the President and the importance of our voices
and choices.
The President holds the highest office in the United States. He is the head of state. The head of state of any country stands for all the people of that country.
The President has many duties. He is the chief executive, commander-in-chief of the armed forces, and our representative to other countries.
The Constitution gives only three rules for becoming President.
1) Presidents must be born in the United States.
2) They must be at least thirty-five years old.
3) They must have lived in the United States for fourteen years.
Filing for Office:
Any U.S. citizen who meets constitutional requirements, belongs
to a recognized political party, and can come up with $1,000 can file to run in the NEW HAMPSHIRE PRIMARY for President or Vice-President or, for $2,000, for both offices. Some candidates have tried to avoid paying the filing fee.
Austin Burton (also known as Chief Burning Wood), a Delaware Indian, once mailed a four-foot length of snakeskin to the Secretary of State, but was not permitted to substitute wampum for cash. (See Austin Burton trading card)
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