Some Exeter Dems Refuse to Give ID at Polls

A handful of Exeter Democrats refused to present their identification before voting in today's Primary in an apparent protest over a new voter ID law.

More than 1,000 cast ballots as of noon today, according to Town Clerk Andrea Kohler. There are about 9,500 registered voters in Exeter. Voting is being held at the Talbot Gym at 30 Linden St.

Notices on the town website and a town-owned electronic sign downtown asked voters to bring an ID – even though it's currently not required to vote. Those notices were taken down after residents complained.

Kohler said the notices were "educational," since the new voter ID law kicks in next year.

The law is , according to its proponents.

The Democrats who refused to show their ID instead sign an affidavit swearing they are Exeter residents. When the new law kicks in, voters who don't have an ID can also sign an affidavit – but they must obtain one in the days following their vote.

Voters today are deciding on party nominees for governor, state senator, and state representative, among other offices.

The only major contested local race is between for the Republican State Senate District 23 nomination. The polls close at 8 p.m.

Check back to Exeter Patch tonight for results from all the races.