New Hampshire primary: What you need to know

After Donald Trump’s record victory in the Iowa caucuses, New Hampshire voters now get their turn to decide just how competitive the Republican nominating fight will be as the former president continues to dominate his party.

Trump has been eager this week to flaunt his 30-point victory in Iowa, stepping up the pressure on former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to improve on their distant finishes in the opening votes of the 2024 presidential election.

Here’s what you need to know about the New Hampshire primary:

When is the New Hampshire primary?

New Hampshire is the longtime host of the nation’s first presidential primary, which will take place next Tuesday, Jan. 23.

A marker stands outside the Statehouse in Concord, N.H., Nov. 15, 2023, describing the history of the state’s first-in-the-nation presidential primary. (AP Photo/Holly Ramer, File)

A tiny community near the Canadian border will kick off the state’s voting as the clock strikes midnight. Dixville Notch has been in the spotlight since 1960, when the owner of the Balsams resort, Neil Tillotson, arranged for residents to vote at midnight, with the polls closing and results announced within minutes. The resort closed in 2011, but voting has continued in various locations. This year, voting will take place in Tillotson’s former home, in a living room decorated with photos and memorabilia from previous primary voters.

How is New Hampshire different from Iowa?

First, it’s a primary, not a caucus.

For the Republican presidential candidates, New Hampshire’s electorate is less religiously conservative and less rural than in Iowa, factors that helped Trump in Iowa’s GOP caucuses. If DeSantis and Haley cannot capitalize on those differences, they could watch Trump sustain momentum that would render the rest of the Republican primary calendar little more than a formality.

ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE – JANUARY 17: Republican presidential candidate, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks to a supporter at the conclusion of a campaign rally at the LaBelle Winery on January 17, 2024 in Rockingham County, New Hampshire. DeSantis, who finished second behind frontrunner, former U.S. President Donald Trump in this week’s Iowa caucuses, is campaigning in New Hampshire ahead of that state’s primary on January 23 before moving on to South Carolina on Friday. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE – JANUARY 17: (L-R) U.S. Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX); Republican presidential candidate, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis; and U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) speak to members of the media at the conclusion of a campaign rally at the LaBelle Winery on January 17, 2024 in Rockingham County, New Hampshire. DeSantis, who finished second behind frontrunner, former U.S. President Donald Trump in this week’s Iowa caucuses, is campaigning in New Hampshire ahead of that state’s primary on January 23 before moving on to South Carolina on Friday. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE – JANUARY 17: Republican presidential candidate, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks to supporters at LaBelle Winery on January 17, 2024 in Rockingham County, New Hampshire. DeSantis, who finished second behind frontrunner, former U.S. President Donald Trump in this week’s Iowa caucuses, is campaigning in New Hampshire ahead of that state’s primary on January 23 before moving on to South Carolina on Friday. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

Republican presidential candidate former US President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign event in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, on January 17, 2024. (Photo by TIMOTHY A. CLARY / AFP via Getty Images)

ATKINSON, NEW HAMPSHIRE – JANUARY 16: Republican presidential candidate, former U.S. President Donald Trump greets U.S. entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy while speaking during a campaign rally at the Atkinson Country Club on January 16, 2024 in Atkinson, New Hampshire. Trump won this week’s Iowa caucus, solidifying him as the lead Republican nominee in the first balloting of 2024. The former U.S. President heads to Atkinson, New Hampshire today as he continues campaigning during the primary election. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

PORTSMOUTH, NEW HAMPSHIRE – JANUARY 17: Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. President Donald Trump talks to supporters during a campaign rally at the Sheraton Portsmouth Harborside Hotel on January 17, 2024 in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. According to a poll conducted by Saint Anselm College and released Tuesday, Trump is at 52 percent, far ahead of fellow candidates, former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley, who is polling at 38 percent, and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who is polling at 8 percent. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

HOLLIS, NEW HAMPSHIRE – JANUARY 18: People stand in line to greet Republican presidential candidate, former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, during a campaign event at the Alpine Grove Event Center on January 18, 2024, in Hollis, New Hampshire. Haley continues to campaign across the state. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

HOLLIS, NEW HAMPSHIRE – JANUARY 18: Republican presidential candidate, former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, is welcomed to the stage by New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu, during a campaign event held at the Alpine Grove Event Center on January 18, 2024, in Hollis, New Hampshire. Haley continues to campaign across the state. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

HOLLIS, NEW HAMPSHIRE – JANUARY 18: People attend a campaign rally for Republican presidential candidate, former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, at the Alpine Grove Event Center on January 18, 2024, in Hollis, New Hampshire. Haley continues to campaign across the state. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Former UN ambassador and 2024 presidential hopeful Nikki Haley speaks at a campaign event in Hollis, New Hampshire on January 18, 2024. The state’s primary is scheduled for January 23, 2024. (Photo by Joseph Prezioso / AFP) (Photo by JOSEPH PREZIOSO/AFP via Getty Images)

HOLLIS, NEW HAMPSHIRE – JANUARY 18: A campaign worker places signs supporting Republican presidential candidate, former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, outside of her campaign event held at the Alpine Grove Event Center on January 18, 2024, in Hollis, New Hampshire. Haley continues to campaign across the state. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

ROCHESTER, NEW HAMPSHIRE – JANUARY 17: Republican presidential candidate, former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley greets people during a campaign event an the American Legion on January 17, 2024, in Rochester, New Hampshire. Haley, rising in the polls in the upcoming New Hampshire primary, came in third in Iowa. Former president Donald Trump swept the caucus with over 50 percent of the votes, while Florida Governor Ron DeSantis came in second. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Democratic presidential hopeful US Representative Dean Phillips speaks during a campaign event at Post & Beam Brewing in Peterborough, New Hampshire, on January 17, 2024. (Photo by Joseph Prezioso / AFP) (Photo by JOSEPH PREZIOSO/AFP via Getty Images)

Democratic presidential hopeful Marianne Williamson speaks during a campaign event at Teatotaller’s Cafe in Concord, New Hampshire, on January 17, 2024. (Photo by Joseph Prezioso / AFP) (Photo by JOSEPH PREZIOSO/AFP via Getty Images)

Signs are displayed outside a cafe where Democratic presidential hopeful Marianne Williamson will hold a campaign event at Teatotaller’s Cafe in Concord, New Hampshire, on January 17, 2024. (Photo by Joseph Prezioso / AFP) (Photo by JOSEPH PREZIOSO/AFP via Getty Images)

Buttons for Democratic presidential hopeful Marianne Williamson lay on a table during a campaign event at Teatotaller’s Cafe in Concord, New Hampshire, on January 17, 2024. (Photo by Joseph Prezioso / AFP) (Photo by JOSEPH PREZIOSO/AFP via Getty Images)

PORTSMOUTH, NEW HAMPSHIRE – JANUARY 17: Supporters of Republican presidential candidate, former U.S. President Donald Trump wait for his arrival at a campaign rally at the Sheraton Portsmouth Harborside Hotel on January 17, 2024 in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. According to a poll conducted by Saint Anselm College and released Tuesday, Trump is at 52 percent, far ahead of fellow candidates, former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley, who is polling at 38 percent, and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who is polling at 8 percent. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

ROCHESTER, NEW HAMPSHIRE – JANUARY 17: Republican presidential candidate former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley speaks at a campaign event following her third place finish in the Iowa caucus on January 17, 2024 in Rochester, New Hampshire. Haley, who has been rising in the polls in the upcoming New Hampshire primary, was hoping for a second place finish in Iowa. Former president Donald Trump swept the caucus with over 50 percent of the votes while Florida Governor Ron DeSantis came in second. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

ROCHESTER, NEW HAMPSHIRE – JANUARY 17: Republican presidential candidate, former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley speaks during a campaign event an American Legion on January 17, 2024, in Rochester, New Hampshire. Haley, rising in the polls in the upcoming New Hampshire primary, came in a third-place finish in Iowa. Former president Donald Trump swept the caucus with over 50 percent of the votes, while Florida Governor Ron DeSantis came in second. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

HAMPTON, NEW HAMPSHIRE – JANUARY 17: The exterior of Wally’s bar ahead of Republican presidential candidate Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’s arrival at a campaign rally on January 17, 2024 in Hampton, New Hampshire. DeSantis continues his campaign trail, rallying supporters across New Hampshire after finishing second-place in this week’s Iowa caucus. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

Republican presidential candidate and Florida Governor, Ron DeSantis, speaks during a campaign event in Hampton, New Hampshire, on January 17, 2024. (Photo by Joseph Prezioso / AFP) (Photo by JOSEPH PREZIOSO/AFP via Getty Images)

ATKINSON, NEW HAMPSHIRE – JANUARY 16: Supporters wait in line ahead of a rally for Republican presidential candidate, former U.S. President Donald Trump at the Atkinson Country Club on January 16, 2024 in Atkinson, New Hampshire. Trump won this week’s Iowa caucus, solidifying him as the lead Republican nominee in the first balloting of 2024. The former U.S. President heads to Atkinson, New Hampshire today as he continues campaigning during the primary election. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

ATKINSON, NEW HAMPSHIRE – JANUARY 16: A supporter shields themself from the elements while waiting in line ahead of a rally for Republican presidential candidate, former U.S. President Donald Trump at the Atkinson Country Club on January 16, 2024 in Atkinson, New Hampshire. Trump won this week’s Iowa caucus, solidifying him as the lead Republican nominee in the first balloting of 2024. The former U.S. President heads to Atkinson, New Hampshire today as he continues campaigning during the primary election. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

ATKINSON, NEW HAMPSHIRE – JANUARY 16: A supporter waits in line ahead of a rally for Republican presidential candidate, former U.S. President Donald Trump at the Atkinson Country Club on January 16, 2024 in Atkinson, New Hampshire. Trump won this week’s Iowa caucus, solidifying him as the lead Republican nominee in the first balloting of 2024. The former U.S. President heads to Atkinson, New Hampshire today as he continues campaigning during the primary election. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

ATKINSON, NEW HAMPSHIRE – JANUARY 16: The Nguyen family wait together ahead of a rally for Republican presidential candidate, former U.S. President Donald Trump at the Atkinson Country Club on January 16, 2024 in Atkinson, New Hampshire. Trump won this week’s Iowa caucus, solidifying him as the lead Republican nominee in the first balloting of 2024. The former U.S. President heads to Atkinson, New Hampshire today as he continues campaigning during the primary election. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

ATKINSON, NEW HAMPSHIRE – JANUARY 16: A campaign sign for Republican presidential candidate, former U.S. President Donald Trump is seen in a yard on January 16, 2024 in Atkinson, New Hampshire. Trump won this week’s Iowa caucuses, solidifying him as the lead Republican nominee in the first balloting of 2024. The former U.S. President heads to Atkinson, New Hampshire today as he continues campaigning during the primary election. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

People wait in line to attend a rally on January 16, 2024 for Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump at the Atkinson Resort and Country Club in Atkinson, New Hampshire. Trump stormed towards New Hampshire on Tuesday, knowing that a repeat of his runaway win in Iowa would all but seal the Republican nomination to set up his rematch with President Joe Biden in November. (Photo by TIMOTHY A. CLARY / AFP) (Photo by TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP via Getty Images)

Sal Mive and Tracy Mailhot wait in line to attend a rally on January 16, 2024 for Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump at the Atkinson Resort and Country Club in Atkinson, New Hampshire. Trump stormed towards New Hampshire on Tuesday, knowing that a repeat of his runaway win in Iowa would all but seal the Republican nomination to set up his rematch with President Joe Biden in November. (Photo by TIMOTHY A. CLARY / AFP) (Photo by TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP via Getty Images)

MANCHESTER, NEW HAMPSHIRE – JANUARY 16: A campaign sign for Republican presidential candidate, former U.S. President Donald Trump is seen in a yard on January 16, 2024 in Manchester, New Hampshire. Trump won this week’s Iowa caucuses, solidifying him as the lead Republican nominee in the first balloting of 2024. The former U.S. President heads to Atkinson, New Hampshire today as he continues campaigning during the primary election. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

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Haley, who has sought to build a wide coalition that includes independents, has put great emphasis on New Hampshire, hoping it becomes a springboard to her home-state South Carolina primary next month. DeSantis, who has run more as a Trumpian conservative, put more stock in Iowa, so now must regroup quickly for New Hampshire or risk squandering his second-place finish.

What will the weather be like?

Severe winter weather already is altering campaign schedules and making candidates’ tasks harder. DeSantis had to cancel a Tuesday event because of difficult travel conditions.

A man clears snow from a sidewalk on January 17, 2024 in North Conway, New Hampshire. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

What do the polls say?

Trump has had good reason to dedicate his time to New Hampshire despite his dominance in national polls, which have shown him with an about 50 point lead on his fellow conservatives for much of the year-long run up to the first primary. That lead dwindles to just single digits in the Granite State, with Haley close at his heels.

Why were the New Hampshire Republican debates canceled?

Two Republican presidential debates were canceled after Haley’s refusal to participate in any forum that doesn’t also include Trump, which means for the first time in years there will not be an on-the-ground faceoff ahead of New Hampshire’s primary.

Republican presidential candidate, former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, speaks during a campaign event held at the Alpine Grove Event Center on January 18, 2024, in Hollis, New Hampshire. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

CNN announced Wednesday that it was calling off its debate, which had been scheduled for Sunday at New England College. That came a day after ABC and WMUR-TV said they were also canceling Thursday’s debate, planned at Saint Anselm College, following Haley’s assertion that the next debate in which she participates “will either be with Donald Trump or Joe Biden.”

CNN said Wednesday that it would instead host a town hall with Haley on Thursday from New England College.

What is the controversy surrounding the Democratic ballot?

For starters, the Democratic National Committee, which has the ultimate say in how its presidential nominee will be picked, says state party officials violated national party rules by scheduling its contest earlier than allowed. As a result, the primary will have zero delegates at stake on Tuesday. Normally, the contest would have determined how the state’s original allotment of 23 pledged delegates to the presidential nominating convention in Chicago this summer would be allocated to the various candidates.

Furthermore, President Joe Biden, who is seeking the Democratic nomination for a second term, decided to skip New Hampshire since their primary violates party rules and will not appear on the ballot. It was Biden’s idea to bump the state from its prized primary calendar slot in favor of South Carolina, which resuscitated his struggling campaign in 2020. That year, Biden placed fourth in the Iowa caucuses and fifth in New Hampshire with only 8% of the vote.

The New Hampshire Democratic Party is nevertheless proceeding with the primary — which they note state law requires to be held before any other primary – and has already started the process of selecting people to serve as national convention delegates. This earned a sharp rebuke from the DNC, which called the upcoming primary both “meaningless” and “detrimental.”

In response, state Democratic party chairman Ray Buckley said in a statement, “Well, it’s safe to say in New Hampshire, the DNC is less popular than the NY Yankees. State law requires the New Hampshire Secretary of State to conduct the first-in-the-nation primary and he is going to follow the law — period. Nothing has changed, and we look forward to seeing a great Democratic voter turnout on January 23rd.”

Will Biden appear on the New Hampshire ballot?

Biden’s name will not appear as a printed option on the ballot. However, some New Hampshire Democrats have mounted an effort to encourage primary voters to cast their ballots for Biden as a write-in candidate. Write-in candidates are eligible to win elections in New Hampshire.

Contributing: Associated Press; Matthew Medsger, Boston Herald