New Hampshire voters weigh economic pressures and civility before midterms

In less than a week, voters across New Hampshire will head to local polling places to cast ballots in the midterm election as Election Day approaches. Residents across the state are weighing economic pressures, housing needs, political civility, and concerns about democracy as they prepare to vote.

Economic Strain and Cost of Living

Financial concerns weighed heavily on several residents ahead of the midterm election. Jack Tackeff, a substitute teacher from Rye, pointed out that New Hampshire is a very expensive state and expressed worry over whether people will be able to afford heating oil and fill up their gas tanks this winter. Coretta Lee, a staffing operations manager from Pelham, noted that the costs of food, milk, electricity, and gas are very high, adding that right now we just need some changes within our government. Steve Short of Windham stated he wants candidates to explain how they will lower the cost of groceries and gas. Meanwhile, Mason Johnson of Manchester highlighted local housing struggles, stating that a lot of his friends are homeless and that more shelters are needed.

Voters Share Views on Civility and Democracy

Beyond daily expenses, voters shared differing views on governance and societal tone. Susan Seidner, a Christmas tree farmer in Pembroke, said that civility is on her mind and that she looks forward to a time when people can talk in a kinder way. Cindy Reed, a retired resident of Manchester who is working the polls, noted that her main concern is the environment, though she feels nobody is touching that issue, followed by a desire for saving democracy and a smooth voting process. Other residents expressed skepticism or partisan hopes: Mitch Haley of Manchester said he is not planning on voting because politicians say one thing and do another, while Richard Carlton of Manchester voiced support for tariffs to bring manufacturing jobs back, and Kenneth Perkins of Manchester argued that the state needs to go Democratic all the way to support working people.