A Brief History of the New Hampshire Primary Election (ContributorNetwork)

CNN calls the New Hampshire primary election a "key test for Romney." Considering the Iowa caucus failed to break up the field of top-tier Republican candidates, it stands to reason GOP nomination hopefuls are banking on voters of the Granite State to identify a likely front-runner -- and pinpoint the next candidates to drop out. What is the history of this primary?

How did the New Hampshire primary get started?

The University of New Hampshire traces the beginnings of the Granite State's primary election to a 1913 law proposed by Rep. Stephen Bullock. It made it possible for voters to directly participate in the election of delegates that would represent them at the national conventions. Initially the target date was the third Tuesday in May, but the 1915 legislature changed this date to the second Tuesday in March.

When die the first New Hampshire primary take place?

The New Hampshire Historical Society reveals the first primary election took place in 1916.

What is the meaning of "first in the nation?"

UNH highlights that in 1920 the New Hampshire primary became the first primary election of the U.S. In 1916, Minnesota held a primary on the same day as the Granite State, but by 1920 that state had returned to a caucus system. Indiana, which initially held its primary a week prior to New Hampshire, switched the date to fall in May. Amendments to existing laws took place in 1975 and 1977, ensuring the state would hold its primary "before any other state holding a similar election."

Were there primary election upsets?

Dwight Eisenhower's 1952 victory over Robert Taft was a surprising upset that few foresaw.

How has voter participation been during this primary election?

UNH figures show that by 1944, 18 percent of voters attended the primary election; by 1948, this number had risen to 27 percent. The Historical Society outlines that in 1952 approximately 43 percent of registered voters participated in the primary election. The state hit a record in 1996, when it saw twice as many voters as other states; this was the first year that would-be voters could register to vote on Election Day itself. In 2004, the number of voters is revealed to have been as high as 74 percent.

What does it take to get a name onto the New Hampshire ballot?

In 1949, it took 50 signatures from each of the congressional districts to place a presidential (or vice-presidential) candidate's name onto the ballot. In 1971, legislators increased this number from 50 to 500 per congressional district. In addition to the foregoing, candidates now also had to pay a $500 fee. By 1983, the signature requirement was nixed, but the filing fee was increased to $1,000.

Source: http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/gop/*http%3A//news.yahoo.com/s/ac/20120109/pl_ac/10811657_a_brief_history_of_the_new_hampshire_primary_election

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