Marjorie Porter

Last year it was my honor to work with New Hampshire Together, a nonpartisan nonprofit whose goal is to help everyday citizens become civically engaged. Our process helped them to identify common problems and encouraged them to work together to find common ground and workable solutions which can then be put into action. One of the problems they sought to address is the increased political polarization. Over a three-day weekend in June of 2024, NH Together held the first ever state-wide Citizens Assembly at St Anselm’s, to address the issues identified and find solutions. We strove to ensure the fifty delegates who participated were a demographic match with the state at large, in location, age, and political bent. We set ground rules for respectful dialogue that all agreed to. Delegates broke into groups and worked to find common ground solutions to the problems they had identified. One of these problems was increased political polarization. In order for a group’s policy recommendation to become an official recommendation of the assembly at large, it had to meet the very high bar of 75% approval of all those in attendance. One solution to the issue of polarization, to establish a single ballot primary election, garnered an amazing 85% acceptance from our diverse group. The group proposing this solution worked long after the assembly was over to refine the proposal in hopes of getting legislation passed. As a former legislator, I found observing the work of the delegates at the Citizens Assembly particularly powerful. Here were citizens who weren’t just complaining about how bad things are. Instead, they were willing to work to find real solutions to real problems. I believe that when everyday citizens get together to identify problems and find common ground solutions, they are practicing real democracy. And one final note. What came across loud and clear at the Assembly was how concerned the delegates were with the extreme polarization in our lives today. They believe politicians listen to their party instead of listening to the people they serve. I urge the committee to support HB 1391. The people may have found a solution that actually works. Thank you. With respect, Hon. Marjorie Porter Hillsborough, NH