KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) Keene voters will head to the polls tomorrow, Tuesday, for the city’s primary election — but for many, the contest will be an affirmation rather than a choice. With much of the ballot uncontested, every candidate listed is expected to advance to the general election in November.

Incumbent Jay Kahn faces challenger Bradford Hutchinson, who previously ran in 2023. The winner will serve a two-year term beginning after the November general election.

Seven candidates will vie for five at-large city council seats (with the possibility of up to 10 advancing when including write-ins). Incumbents Randy Filiault and Mitch Greenwald (currently Ward 2 representative) seek reelection. Also on the ballot are Michele Chalice, Samantha Jackson, Robert Johnson, Steven Lindsey, and Laura Ruttle-Miller.

Emily Benson, who initially filed, suspended her campaign last week for personal reasons. Her name will still appear on the ballot, but voters have been asked to disregard it.

Molly Ellis challenges John Schmitt to succeed outgoing Councilor Andrew Madison, who is not seeking re-election.

Challenger Shane Brown is running against incumbent Philip Jones.

Uncontested Races

  • Ward 1: Jacob Favolise runs unhindered to fill the remaining two years of a seat vacated midterm; incumbent Kris Roberts runs unopposed for a full four-year term.

  • Ward 2: Ed Haas, previously an at-large councilor, runs unopposed for the ward’s open seat.

  • Ward 4: Incumbent Catt Workman faces no challenger.

All ward councilor seats carry four-year terms, with one seat typically up every two years in each ward.

Write-in Paths & Future Races

Though all names on the ballot are expected to proceed to November, new candidates can still emerge via write-in votes. To qualify for the general election, write-ins must receive either 10 votes or 10 percent of the vote (whichever is fewer).

In the general election on Nov. 4, voters will also select officials including ward moderators, clerks, checklist supervisors, and three selectmen for each of the city’s five wards.

Voting Details

When: Tuesday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Where:

  • Ward 1: Michael E.J. Blastos Community Room, 400 Marlboro St.

  • Ward 2: Keene Recreation Center, 312 Washington St.

  • Ward 3: Keene Middle School, 167 Maple Ave.

  • Ward 4: Symonds School, 79 Park Ave.

  • Ward 5: Monadnock Covenant Church, 90 Base Hill Road

Voters unsure of their ward can check the city’s official ward map at kgis.maps.arcgis.com.