In a turn of events that defies decades of political tradition, the New Hampshire Democratic primary is proceeding on Tuesday, despite the Democratic National Committee's (DNC) decision not to award delegates.

The primary, typically a significant early gauge of presidential support, has been plunged into controversy due to these changes, as Washington Examiner reported.

This shift comes as President Joe Biden chooses to skip the primary in compliance with DNC rules, while his supporters launch a write-in campaign amidst challenges from other Democratic hopefuls.

New Hampshire, known for its "first-in-the-nation" primary status, has found itself at odds with the DNC after the committee's 2022 decision to change the order of the nominating contests.

The state, adhering to its 1975 law mandating the primary's premier position, has gone ahead with its plans for Tuesday’s event.

However, in a move that has rendered the primary largely symbolic, the DNC has chosen not to recognize it in terms of delegate allocation.

Biden's Absence and Grassroots Campaign

Amid this backdrop, President Biden will not be appearing on the ballot, a decision aligned with DNC rules. However, his absence has not dampened the enthusiasm of his supporters.

A grassroots write-in campaign, supported by prominent Democrats like Sen. Cory Booker, has been launched to show solidarity with the president. This campaign, which has seen over 325 people attending organizing meetings and more than 50 events, operates on a budget of $70,000, primarily focused on high-turnout polling stations.

The campaign's purpose extends beyond a mere show of support. As Democratic state Sen. David Watters explained, it's also about making a statement.

"This is grassroots, and this is our way of showing the really strong support for the president in the state," he said. Watters emphasized the importance of New Hampshire’s presence at the Democratic National Convention, despite the lack of delegates.

Challengers on the Ballot and Voter Confusion

Meanwhile, challengers like Rep. Dean Phillips and Marianne Williamson are taking full advantage of the unique situation. Phillips, who has campaigned heavily in New Hampshire, has set a high bar for Biden's write-in campaign, suggesting that anything below 60% for Biden could signify his un-electability.

This sentiment was echoed by local voters like Morris, who expressed a desire for more debates and a clearer understanding of the candidates’ positions.

However, some voters remain confused about the write-in efforts and why Biden isn't on the ballot. Scott Kepnes, a local preschool teacher, voiced his confusion: "I’ll be honest, I don’t even understand it,” he said, reflecting the uncertainty among voters about the unusual circumstances of this primary.

Despite the challenges, the write-in campaign has garnered substantial attention and involvement. Its significance is not lost on its supporters, as Watters highlighted: "I think it not only shows the support for Biden, but I think it shows the support for democracy, and that has felt good," illustrating the campaign’s broader democratic implications.

Historical Precedents and Future Implications

The situation in New Hampshire is not without precedent in American politics. In 2010, Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska famously won her seat through a write-in campaign after losing the Republican primary. This historical example provides a context for understanding the potential impact of New Hampshire's grassroots effort.

The primary's outcome, while symbolic due to the lack of delegates, could still send a powerful message about the state of the Democratic Party and voter sentiments. It raises questions about the future of primary elections and the balance between state laws and national party rules.

As the New Hampshire primary unfolds, it stands as a testament to the evolving nature of American politics, where tradition and rules are continuously reevaluated in the face of changing political landscapes. The impact of this primary, regardless of its symbolic nature, may resonate far beyond the borders of New Hampshire, influencing future DNC decisions and the broader narrative of the 2024 presidential race.

The unfolding events in New Hampshire serve as a reminder of the complex interplay between state laws, party rules, and democratic processes, offering a unique glimpse into the ever-changing dynamics of American politics.