The preparations paid off, as local polling stations handled record crowds in the choice for president in 2008. In Hooksett, more than half the population cast a ballot, while Candia saw an 89 percent turnout of registered voters.

Lines were to the street as the polls opened at 7 a.m., according to Town Moderator Marlene Lein. By 9:30 a.m., Cawley Middle School’s parking lot was still busy, but voters were whisked through the lines. One side of the gym was set up for a snaking line to corral those who still had to register, and police and highway workers had many signs directing traffic around the school.

Ultimately, 7,189 people voted in Hooksett, with 760 new voters signing up on Election Day, a 75 percent turnout of the 9,553 registered voters in a town of about 12,000 residents.

“All in all, it was a very smooth day,” said Bob Ehlers, chairman of the supervisors of the checklist. Hooksett Town Clerk Leslie Nepveu agreed it was a day that went well, thanks to cooperation from everyone.

In Allenstown, of 3,024 registered voters, 2,211 cast ballots for a 73 percent turnout. Town Clerk Diane Demers said it was a “really good day,” with no long lines or parking problems, since there was no school that day. In Pembroke, of 5,613 registered voters, 3,963 voted, for a 70 percent turnout.

In Auburn, 3,194 people cast ballots, said Town Clerk Joanne Linxweiler. There were 217 newly registered people, making the total registered voters 3,983 – an 81 percent turnout. “It was busy and steady all day long and everything ran smoothly,” said Linxweiler.

In Candia, 86 percent of registered voters came out, with 2,567 casting ballots. Of those, 170 registered on Election Day. Epsom had a 75 percent turnout, with 2,528 voting.