Voter numbers robust at some polls, not others 

Voters in southern New Hampshire were helping communities tally up some admirable numbers in Tuesday's primary election.

With many community ballots showing non-contested races for state representative and other offices, ballots cast were still adding up by midday in Derry and Londonderry.

Londonderry, with its 18,373 registered voters, had seen more 1,000 voters come through the Londonderry High School gymnasium doors to vote by about 1 p.m.

It was an energy that made election officials happy.

"We've been quite busy," Londonderry Town Clerk Sherry Farrell said, adding Londonderry has so much tradition and history that voting days are always a great way to catch up with friends.

Londonderry Assistant Town Moderator Cindi Rice-Conley added even though the community had little contention in local races, it's was still good to see a modest turnout early in the day.

Derry was also seeing positive numbers with many candidates holding signs at both of the town's polling places while greeting a steady stream of voters.

Republican incumbent state Rep. Jim Webb said he hoped to win a fifth and possibly final term as a state representative. He was happy to see the turnout.

"For a midterm, it's been good," Webb said.

Districts 2 and 3 voters had cast about 1,000 ballots at West Running Brook Middle School by early afternoon. Districts 1 and 4 voters were also tallying up good numbers over at Gilbert H. Hood Middle School.

Derry's only congested race is the Republican run for state representative, with a field of 16 candidates hoping to be one of 10 moving on to the November ballot.

"People seem enthusiastic and excited to be here," said Derry Town Moderator Mary Till.

Voting numbers, though, in Windham and Pelham were not quite as high as the neighboring larger communities.

Windham has a contested Republican race for state representative with eight GOP hopefuls hoping to earn the four spots on the November general election ballot.

But only about 460 votes had been cast by late morning.

"It's been abysmal," said Town Moderator Peter Griffin, adding he hoped more voters would come out as the day went on.

Griffin also noted with a contested GOP run for state representative, he expected a few more.

"I thought that would bring people out," he said.

Likewise, in Pelham, voting numbers were low with 475 ballots cast out of the town's 9,891 registered voters by about 11:30 a.m.