Video Source: WMUR-TV

In June 2024, a citizen assembly of people from across sociopolitical backgrounds in New Hampshire did the seemingly impossible in today's hyper-polarized political climate: They put their differences aside and put forward initiatives to restore trust in the political process.

One of those initiatives is now being considered in the New Hampshire legislature under HB 714: The single ballot primary, which would allow all voters and candidates running in an election, regardless of party, to participate on the same primary ballot. 

The purpose of the bill, sponsored by Rep. Russell Muirhead, is not only to give voters the ability to choose any candidate they want in the most critical stage of the elections process, but level the playing field for independent candidates, who pay higher assessment fees and need more signatures for ballot access.

"Here in New Hampshire, 45 to 50% of the population are independents, and they are treated like stepchildren in these elections where you are forced to join this race or that race," said Andrew Shue, co-founder of New Hampshire Together, which organized June's citizen assembly.

"Having a single primary ballot helps moderate folks on the Republican side or on the Democratic side, and this is what the citizens came up with." HB 714 is currently before the House Election Law Committee.

New Hampshire Together organized the citizen assembly in Manchester. It included 50 participants that represented a cross-section of the state's social and political makeup. The purpose was to offer a new model for civic engagement and cooperation.

It also provided a forum for citizens to discuss and explore ways to rebuild trust and improve responsiveness in elections and the political system at-large.

"Ninety-one percent (91%) of the country believes that our political system is broken, 74% believe the American dream is dead or dying," Shue said. "The American people are feeling betrayed, they don't feel heard, they don't trust their institutions -- these are all the bad things going on."

"This is the moment where the American people become the adults in the room, and we decide to get together and get above the partisan death match."

He added that the citizen assembly in New Hampshire was the first of its kind, and while participants were initially skeptical, scared, or nervous about what to expect, they left the experience feeling like it was the way to build a blueprint that brings everyone to the table.

The single primary ballot was just one of the initiatives that came out of the 3-day event. The citizen assembly also drafted initiatives on redistricting, voter education, and civic education.