Laconia voters, poll volunteers stress importance of local elections

LACONIA — Natalie Kitching-Rajak, ward clerk in Ward 2 at St. Andre Bessette Parish Hall, said they had a great voter turnout this year for the Primary Election on Tuesday. She emphasized the importance of having a say in local politics, and how amazing it is to simply have the ability to vote.

Susan Rheaume, a greeter at the Ward 2 polls, is a resident of the Taylor Community. Rheaume said she moved to Laconia, from Massachusetts, 11 months ago, and volunteered as an election greeter to understand New Hampshire politics better.

Rheaume said she was surprised by the lack of young voter turnout. When she was able to vote for the first time, the age to register was 21, and she never took it for granted.

“I started voting at 21, and I’ve never missed an election.”

Rheaume said we obtain representation through voting, and noted those who complain just need to get out and vote.

Wendy L’Heureux, a Ward 6 voter, said, “I always vote, it’s my right. Many people gave up a lot for it.”

L’Heureux voted for Donald Trump in the presidential election and considers herself a Republican. She said she likes seeing things get done at the state level, and with a Republican majority in the House and Senate, it’s actually happening now. On Tuesday, she voted with the intention to keep it that way.

L’Heureux said there was not a lot going on before the Primary Election, and she would have liked to see more activity from candidates, besides election commercials. She expressed confusion about those who do not vote in the Primary Election, since it determines who you'll be looking at in November.

Robert Hammond, a Ward 6 voter, came Tuesday to cast his vote at Leavitt Park Clubhouse. Hammond and his wife moved to Laconia six years ago from New York, and at that time were Democrats. After moving to New Hampshire, they now vote Republican.

Hammond emphasized the importance of showing up to local elections. He likes the direction things are going under the Trump administration, and is not pleased with left wingers and their “woke” agenda.

June Martel took a Democrat ballot in Ward 6 on Tuesday, but said she tends to just vote for the candidate she likes best. Martel said there is not much she likes in the current political climate. She said the economy, as well as the hatred and brutality occurring throughout the country, are at the top of her list for change.

Martel said we need to bring back respect and dignity, and honed in on the importance of local elections.

“If you believe in something enough, you’ll be here to vote for it,” Martel said.

Laconia residents will cast their votes in the General Election in their respective wards from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 3.