Will Manchester’s bellwether precinct pick the election winners again?
The ward’s results closely mirrored the outcome of the 2012 presidential election.
Supporters outside of the Webster school held signs and chanted for their preferred candidates.
After living in Manchester’s Ward 1 for 45 years, Herb Nelson has come to know that it’s home to Republicans, Democrats and Independents alike. This year, he learned it’s also home to robots.
“I don’t remember ever seeing such a commotion outside the polling place like I have this year,’’ he said. “The last time it got this loud had to be when Reagan was running for President, and even then there weren’t people running around in cardboard costumes.’’
In 2012, Ward 1 was the bellwether precinct that most closely mirrored the results of the 2012 presidential election. That year, 51.47 percent of people voted for Obama versus 47.6 percent for Romney, which was a difference of 3.86 percentage points. In the national election, the difference between the two candidates was also 3.86 percentage points.
Outside the polling location at Webster School, packs of supporters shouted and held up signs as voters filtered inside, hoping to sway any last-minute undecided voters.
Their tactics didn’t work on Nelson, who came in knowing who he was going to vote for. He thinks this country needs some major changes, and, as a crowd of men behind him yelled “Trump, Trump, Trump’’ and hoisted “Make America Great Again’’ signs in the air, Nelson smiled.
“Donald,’’ he said. “I don’t think there’s anyone else who can make the major changes this country needs. No one else can take control of the economy, and certainly no one else can stand up to ISIS. That’s why he’s got my vote.’’
Allie Nault, a Manchester native who was crowned Miss America’s Outstanding Teen this past summer, has met all of the presidential candidates. When Marco Rubio got off the campaign bus to make a stop at the school, he immediately recognized Nault, who was decked out in her crown and sash. They took a selfie together.
“I think he was just so happy to see someone he knew with all of the people running around,’’ she said.
Nault wouldn’t say who she voted for, citing the contest’s rules. But she did say this was her first time voting, and she took a Republican ballot.
“The issue I care most about is the national debt,’’ the 18-year-old said. “That’s going to fall on us one day. The president needs to take steps to reduce that debt.’’
Allie Nault has gotten to meet all of the running candidates, and had her picture taken with Rubio at the school.
Behind Nault, a large crowd of campaign staffers began trying to drown each other out by shouting their preferred candidate’s name. “Trump’’ and “Rubio’’ chants could be heard from blocks away. Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton supporters stood quietly with large signs, smiling but not shouting.
Caitlin Bannon, an academic advisor at the University of New Hampshire, and her husband Jacob Poullot, just moved to Ward 1 about a week ago. She said Ward 6, where they used to live, was never quite as loud, but she’s not sure whether that’s because of the voters themselves or because people are electrified by this election.
“It’s intense,’’ she said. “All the shouting, all the pushing around. I was surprised how high the energy level was.’’
Marco Rubio showed up and walked around the school for a few minutes.
Bannon is no stranger to passionate voters. She worked for Hillary Clinton’s campaign in 2008, and voted for her because she’s long supported her policies.
“My husband, on the other hand, had a different vote,’’ she said.
She looked over to Poullot, who stood with his hands in his pockets.
“Yeah, I voted for Bernie,’’ he said. “I agree with him more on his educational plan. We’re recent graduates, and the idea of free college hits close to home. He also wants equal pay for women—’’
“Hillary wants that too,’’ Bannon cut in.
Behind them, the pack of Trump supporters began shouting in a steady cadence. “Trump. Trump. Trump. Trump.’’
Bannon and Poullot looked at each other.
“Well, we both know what we don’t want,’’ Bannon said. “That.’’
To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com