Manchester, N.H. – The Manchester School District announced Thursday that it has formally requested a recount of the vote on Question 2, the ballot measure that would have placed a tax cap on local school districts. The measure required a 60% supermajority to pass, but the official tally showed 59.9% support, leaving it short by an estimated 20 votes.
Recount request filed with city clerk
The district filed the recount request with the clerk of the Board of School Committee, invoking the state’s provision that allows a recount when a ballot measure falls within a narrow margin of the required threshold. The filing cites the close margin and the importance of ensuring every vote is accurately counted.
In a statement released by the Manchester School District, officials said they respect the recount process and will cooperate fully with election officials. “Our priority is to uphold the integrity of the electoral process and to ensure that every Manchester resident’s vote is counted correctly,” the statement read. The district also noted that it is working closely with the city clerk’s office to coordinate the logistics of the recount.
Background on Question 2
Question 2 was placed on the November 2026 ballot after a petition drive gathered enough signatures to qualify the measure for the statewide ballot. The proposal sought to limit the amount of property‑tax revenue that could be levied by local school districts, effectively capping the tax rate that homeowners would pay for public education. Proponents argued that the cap would provide relief to families facing rising property taxes, while opponents warned it could constrain school funding and force cuts to programs.
Statewide, the measure failed to achieve the 60% approval needed, but the margin varied by municipality. In Manchester, the result was especially tight, prompting the district’s decision to seek a recount.
What the recount process entails
Under New Hampshire law, a recount may be requested when a ballot measure falls within a narrow margin of the required threshold. Election officials will re‑examine the ballots, checking for any discrepancies, mis‑tabulations, or improperly marked votes. The process typically takes several days, and the final result will be certified once the recount is complete.
City officials have assured residents that the recount will be conducted transparently and that any adjustments to the vote total will be publicly reported. The Manchester School Committee will receive the final certified results and will determine next steps based on the outcome.
Community response
Local residents have expressed mixed reactions to the recount request. Some parents and taxpayers, who supported the tax‑cap measure, view the recount as a necessary safeguard to ensure their votes are counted. Others, who opposed the measure, argue that the narrow margin reflects the community’s overall preference and that a recount is unlikely to change the result.
Regardless of the outcome, the district emphasized that the recount does not affect the day‑to‑day operation of schools. “Our schools will continue to provide quality education while this process unfolds,” the district’s statement affirmed.
Next steps
The recount is expected to begin within the next week, pending the scheduling of election officials and the availability of staff to handle the review. Once completed, the clerk of the Board of School Committee will issue a certified result, which will be posted on the district’s website and communicated to the public through a press release.
Manchester residents who have questions about the recount process are encouraged to contact the school district’s office or visit the city clerk’s website for additional information.
Original reporting: WMUR (Hearst) – local news — read the source article.
