Breaking: Election Day is here! Make your selections for New Hampshire's key races

Voters across New Hampshire are heading to the polls this morning to decide the fate of a crucial U.S. Senate seat and a competitive governor's race. It is Election Day, Tuesday, November 3, 2026, and the state is part of a nationwide midterm election that will determine which party controls Congress for the final two years of President Donald Trump's second term. The U.S. Senate seat in New Hampshire is an open race because incumbent Jeanne Shaheen is not running for re-election. The two major parties on the ballot are the Democratic and Republican parties. Voters in Manchester, Nashua, and Concord are casting their ballots in this high-profile contest, which is one of thirteen Senate races that are identified as battlegrounds. The state voted for Kamala Harris by a margin of 2.8 percent in 2024, making the current contest a tight race that could influence the balance of power in the upper chamber.

The race for the state's top executive office is also drawing significant attention. Incumbent Republican Governor Kelly Ayotte is seeking re-election against a field that includes candidates from the Democratic and Libertarian parties. This contest is part of a nationwide effort where Democrats are trying to gain control of governor's offices. Republicans currently hold 26 governorships while Democrats hold 24. In New Hampshire, the governor's office is on the ballot along with every U.S. House seat in the state. Local measures and offices also vary by county, meaning voters in different parts of the state are deciding on distinct local issues alongside the major statewide races. The outcome of these elections will shape the state's political landscape for the next four years.

Polling place hours in New Hampshire vary by municipality, so residents should confirm their specific times before heading out. Polls must open by 11 a.m. And cannot close before 7 p.m. In the state. This staggered schedule means that some towns may have different voting windows compared to others. To find the exact location and hours for their polling place, voters are encouraged to visit vote.gov or contact their local state election office. It is important for citizens to remember that anyone who is in line when polls close is entitled to cast their ballot. This rule ensures that voters who arrive late in the day do not lose their right to participate in the democratic process.

Voters should also check their state's identification rules before going to the polls, as requirements vary by jurisdiction. New Hampshire has specific guidelines for voter identification that must be followed to receive a ballot. The U.S. Postal Service has added extra hours, staff, and special lines to ensure that mail ballots are counted on time, which is a critical component of the election administration process. A federal judge temporarily barred the Trump administration from carrying out a plan aimed at preventing noncitizen voting, a move that critics argue could risk disenfranchising eligible voters. This legal development adds another layer of complexity to the election day proceedings, with both parties watching closely for any issues that might arise during the count.

The national picture is equally intense, with all 435 U.S. House seats up for grabs. Republicans currently hold 218 seats and Democrats hold 214, with one independent and some vacancies. Democrats need a net gain of three districts to achieve a majority, while Republicans can afford to lose no more than two seats. Ballotpedia counts 46 battleground districts in the House, with 25 held by Democrats and 21 by Republicans. The results of these races will determine which party leads the House of Representatives in the coming Congress. In the Senate, 35 of 100 seats are up for election, including 33 regular elections and two special elections. Republicans hold 53 seats and Democrats hold 45, plus two independents who caucus with the Democrats. Democrats need a net gain of four seats to take control of the Senate, a goal that seems challenging given the current numbers.

The mood in the country is described by the Associated Press as a referendum on President Trump's second term. Polling data indicates that 35 percent of U.S. Adults approve of Trump's job performance, while 25 percent approve of his handling of the economy. About seven in 10 adults say the country is heading in the wrong direction, with most blaming the president for high prices. More than 57 million people had already voted as of Monday, surpassing the early vote totals from four years ago in many closely watched states. This high level of early participation suggests a strong interest in the midterm results. Republicans are bracing for the possibility of losing the House, while Democrats are described as cautiously optimistic about their chances of gaining seats in either chamber.

President Trump has been active in campaigning, holding dozens of rallies across the country. He ended his recent schedule in Salina, Kansas, where he told supporters, "I really want you to pretend I'm on the ballot." His campaign stops included Mississippi, South Carolina, and Texas, regions that are critical to the Republican effort. However, many Republican candidates have kept their distance from the president during the final stretch of the campaign. The 2026 elections are likely to be the most expensive in history, with Republican committees outraising and outspending their Democratic counterparts. This spending surge was helped by Trump-affiliated groups and contributions from Elon Musk, though Democrats outraised their opponents at the candidate level.

The economic issues are at the forefront of voters' minds, with high prices and cost of living being primary concerns. James Moore, a 57-year-old librarian in Raleigh, North Carolina, expressed frustration, saying, "I'm paying more taxes. I'm paying more for my healthcare. I'm paying more for everything." This sentiment is shared by many voters who feel the strain of inflation and rising costs. The Associated Press notes that economic strain and tariffs have made states like Maine competitive, and similar pressures are felt in New Hampshire. The race for the New Hampshire Senate seat pits Democratic Representative Chris Pappas against former Republican Senator John E. Sununu. Both candidates are fighting hard for the open seat left by Jeanne Shaheen, with the outcome potentially tipping the balance of power in the Senate.

In the governor's race, Kelly Ayotte is running for re-election in a state that is considered a Republican stronghold. However, the competition is fierce, with candidates from multiple parties on the ballot. The Libertarian party is also participating, adding another dimension to the contest. The results of the governor's race will have significant implications for state policy and the administration of local governments in towns like Manchester and Nashua. Voters in Concord are also deciding on this race, which is a key part of the statewide election. The outcome will determine who leads the state through the next term and will influence the direction of state policies on various issues.