The New Hampshire House and Senate will be sworn in early next month, and one of their first decisions will be who will serve as Secretary of State. While incumbent Secretary David Scanlan remains in the race, a growing field of Democratic hopefuls is emerging, each promising reforms aimed at expanding voter participation and improving election administration.
Candidate profiles
State Rep. Patrick Long of Manchester, an attorney, says his priority is to make voting easier for New Hampshire residents. “Protecting the right to vote is something that I’m dedicated to and passionate about,” Long told reporters. He cited his 18‑year history of election work, beginning as a poll watcher for the Obama campaign in 2008.
Carleigh Beriont entered the political arena earlier this year as a congressional candidate in the 1st District. She emphasizes that the Secretary of State’s office should not be a stepping stone for higher office, but a platform for fresh ideas. “Only 7% of 18‑year‑olds in New Hampshire were registered to vote this spring,” Beriont noted. She pledges to travel to every high school in the state to register every eligible senior and to champion nonpartisan redistricting so voters understand the impact of their ballots.
James Butler works as a senior analyst at Eversource and brings a background in voting‑rights advocacy and state budgeting from the Hassan administration. He wants a more open office that cooperates closely with local election officials, the voting‑rights community, and legislators. “I want to expand early voting and make absentee voting no‑fault,” Butler said.
Incumbent perspective
Current Secretary David Scanlan, a Republican, acknowledges the challenge of retaining the position in a legislature that could be more receptive to Democratic proposals. He described the upcoming vote as “daunting,” given the potential shift in partisan balance.
What’s at stake
The Secretary of State oversees elections, business registrations, and public records. Over the past 97 years, only five individuals have held the post, underscoring the office’s stability and the significance of any change. Democrats argue that new leadership could increase voter registration among young adults, broaden early‑voting options, and ensure a more transparent redistricting process.
Republican officials, while not detailed in this report, typically stress the importance of maintaining election integrity and caution against rapid procedural changes. The upcoming decision will set the tone for how New Hampshire conducts its elections in the coming years.
Looking ahead
The new legislature is expected to convene in Concord next month, at which point the vote for Secretary of State will take place. Voters and local officials will be watching closely to see whether the Democratic candidates’ proposals gain traction or if the incumbent retains the office.
Regardless of the outcome, the race highlights a renewed focus on voter engagement and the administration of elections—issues that resonate with New Hampshire’s tradition of civic participation.
Original reporting: WMUR (Hearst) – local news — read the source article.
