Neil Lavesque: New Hampshire Presidential Primary

Region: South Central / Merrimack region

Neil Lavesque is the Executive Director of the New Hampshire Institute of Politics

Neil Lavesque is a lifelong New Hampshire resident with a deep seated passion and career for its local politics. As the executive director of the New Hampshire Institute of Politics at Saint Anselm College, Lavesque’s work lies in political engagement and access. In this episode of the 603 podcast, Lavesque touts New Hampshire’s unique role in the primary presidential election and the state’s commitment to local political involvement.

“When you have ownership in any kind of process, whether it be your workplace or in your small town, you feel that you want to participate. And that's why people participate here.”

New Hampshire’s primary presidential election will always be the first held in the nation. This gives the small Granite State, which only has four electoral votes, a lot of power to sway the presidential election. In being first, New Hampshire can indicate a candidate's popularity and either be the success or demise of their campaign. Listen to Lavesque as he breaks down the special political atmosphere of New Hampshire calling it “the state’s sport”, and its historic importance in deciding the nation’s leaders.

Want to get more involved with New Hampshire politics?

• Learn more about current events, speaker series, polling and more at New Hampshire Institute of Politics
• Tune in to New Hampshire Live, a podcast series covering all things political in the Granite State hosted by the executive director Neil Lavesque and former WMUR anchor Josh McElveen.
• Register to Vote! Register to Vote | New Hampshire Secretary of State

Learn more about the history of New Hampshire’s Presidential Primary with the New Hampshire Historical Society as they celebrate 200 years in 2023 at nhhistory.

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