Concord, New Hampshire – A write-in campaign has emerged in New Hampshire as President Joe Biden attempts to strip the state of its prominent primary position in the upcoming 2024 election. The independent effort, dubbed “Write In Biden,” highlights the concern that the future of American democracy is at stake in the upcoming election. Although the campaign is not affiliated with the Biden campaign or the state Democratic Party, it has garnered support from individuals such as Rep. Annie Kuster.

The controversy surrounding the New Hampshire primary arose when President Biden and the Democratic National Committee (DNC) decided to elevate South Carolina to the top spot on the 2024 primary calendar. However, New Hampshire law mandates that the state hold its primary before any similar contests. As a result, Republicans in control of the state government and the Secretary of State, responsible for setting the primary date, refused to comply with the DNC’s decision.

This deadlock between national and state Democrats led President Biden to abstain from placing his name on the primary ballot in New Hampshire. Consequently, the state is expected to host an unsanctioned contest. Recognizing the opportunity created by Biden’s absence, other Democratic candidates, including Dean Phillips, have launched their longshot bids to challenge the president. Phillips, backed by Bill Shaheen, the husband of Senator Jeanne Shaheen, aims to restore New Hampshire’s lead-off status.

The write-in campaign has posed logistical challenges for local election officials. New Hampshire Secretary of State David Scanlan has recommended that these officials seek additional assistance to process the potentially large number of write-in votes. Despite the potential consequences of the DNC not seating the state’s delegates, Scanlan expects underdog candidates who have filed for the ballot, such as Phillips and self-help guru Marianne Williamson, to campaign in New Hampshire to garner media attention.

In conclusion, the fate of American democracy hangs in the balance in the 2024 election as President Biden attempts to do away with New Hampshire as the first primary state. The independent write-in campaign, “Write In Biden,” has emerged in response to this challenge, finding support from Rep. Annie Kuster. The dispute between national and state Democrats has prompted other candidates, including Dean Phillips, to seize the opportunity and launch their primary challenges. Nevertheless, New Hampshire is expected to hold an unsanctioned contest, presenting additional logistical considerations for local election officials.