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Representative Coker urges single‑ballot primary to reduce polarization
Summary
Rep. Matt Coker told the Election Law Committee HB 16-27 would replace party‑split primaries with a single primary ballot (presidential primary exempt) to force candidates to appeal broadly; supporters cited citizen assemblies and examples in other states, while members pressed on costs and implementation.
Representative Matt Coker opened the public hearing for HB 16-27, telling the Election Law Committee he proposes a single primary ballot so candidates would “have to appeal to the whole town” rather than only to a low‑turnout partisan primary base. He said the change, exempting the presidential primary, would reduce partisan incentives that reward extreme messaging and produce candidates more like the average New Hampshire voter.
Why it matters: Coker and witnesses argued the current primary system concentrates power in lower‑turnout contests and narrowly selected…
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