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Exeter Residents Vote in Key Town Election

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  Published in Politics and Government on Tuesday, March 10th 2026 at 0:00 GMT by Patch
      Locale: UNITED STATES

Exeter, NH - March 10th, 2026 - Today, Exeter residents are casting their ballots in the highly anticipated town election. While the core of the election focuses on filling key positions on the Select Board, Library Trustees, School Board, and Planning Board, several critical ballot measures are also on the table, promising to shape the future of this historic New Hampshire town. Voter turnout is expected to be high, fueled by increased local engagement and the significant decisions facing the community.

The Races: A Look at the Candidates

The Select Board race is particularly competitive this year, with three candidates vying for a seat that will significantly influence Exeter's budgetary priorities and long-term development. Candidate Amelia Hayes, a long-time resident and local business owner, is campaigning on a platform of fiscal responsibility and controlled growth. She advocates for streamlining town services and ensuring that any new development aligns with Exeter's character. Her opponent, David Chen, emphasizes the need for increased investment in infrastructure, particularly focusing on improving the town's aging water and sewer systems. Chen proposes exploring grant opportunities and alternative funding sources to minimize the impact on property taxes. The third candidate, Sarah Miller, is prioritizing community engagement and inclusivity, promising to establish a citizen advisory committee to provide input on key town decisions.

In the Library Trustee race, the candidates are focused on modernizing the Exeter Public Library. Eleanor Vance is pushing for expanded digital resources and programming to better serve all demographics, while Robert Davies is advocating for preserving the library's historic architecture and traditional services.

The School Board race centers around navigating the challenges of increasing student enrollment and maintaining the quality of education. Katherine Bell champions smaller class sizes and increased funding for special education programs. Meanwhile, Mark Olsen emphasizes the importance of vocational training and preparing students for future careers.

Finally, the Planning Board candidates are debating the best approach to managing Exeter's growing population. Jennifer Larson advocates for smart growth initiatives that prioritize sustainable development and preserve open space. Thomas Reed, conversely, argues for a more flexible approach to zoning regulations to attract new businesses and stimulate economic growth.

Ballot Measures: Shaping Exeter's Future

Beyond the candidates, two significant ballot measures are commanding attention. The first, Measure A, proposes a $2.5 million bond to fund the renovation of the town's historic Town Hall. Supporters argue that the renovation is essential to preserving a vital community landmark and ensuring its accessibility for future generations. Opponents, however, raise concerns about the cost and suggest exploring alternative funding options or scaling back the scope of the project. A detailed cost-benefit analysis is available on the Exeter Town Website ([Link to Exeter Town website]).

The second ballot measure, Measure B, concerns a proposed ordinance regulating short-term rentals, like those offered through platforms like Airbnb and VRBO. Proponents say the ordinance is necessary to address concerns about noise, parking, and the impact of short-term rentals on the availability of long-term housing. Opponents argue that the proposed restrictions are overly burdensome and would stifle tourism and economic activity. Public forums held in February saw heated debates on both sides, highlighting the complex issues at play.

Voting Details and Resources

Polling locations are open from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM today. Residents assigned to Precinct 1 will vote at the Exeter Town Hall, while those in Precinct 2 will cast their ballots at the Exeter Community Center. Absentee ballots have been available for several weeks, offering a convenient option for those unable to vote in person. A complete list of polling locations and a sample ballot can be found on the Exeter Town Website ([Link to Exeter Town website]).

For those who still need to register to vote, the New Hampshire Secretary of State's website ([Link to New Hampshire Secretary of State website]) provides detailed instructions and online registration forms. Registration deadlines have passed for today's election, but it's important to be registered for future elections.

The Exeter Town Clerk's office has been working diligently to ensure a smooth and accessible election process. Town officials encourage all eligible voters to exercise their right to vote and participate in shaping the future of Exeter. The results of the election will be posted on the town website later this evening.

This election is more than just choosing individuals for positions; it's about defining the direction of Exeter for years to come. From preserving historic landmarks to addressing housing affordability and investing in education, the decisions made today will have a lasting impact on the community.