KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) When Keene voters head to the polls Tuesday, they’ll decide not only on local races for mayor and city council but also on two significant ballot questions — one on whether to prohibit Keno in the city and another on whether to allow the creation of social drinking districts downtown.

A “yes” vote on the Keno question means supporting a ban on Keno in Keene. A “no” vote means favoring the operation of Keno under state lottery regulations.

During a City Council public hearing last month, New Hampshire Lottery Commissioner Charlie McIntyre outlined how Keno revenues support state education funding. Residents spoke both for and against allowing the game, with some citing economic benefits for restaurants and bars, and others voicing concern over gambling addiction and its social impacts.

The second question asks whether the city should have the authority to establish social districts — designated areas where patrons could carry alcoholic beverages outdoors between participating establishments. A “yes” vote gives the city permission to create such districts; a “no” vote would prevent them.

If approved, city officials emphasized that the council would still need to craft a detailed ordinance — including hours, boundaries, and regulations — before any social districts could open.

Local Races

Keene’s mayoral race is a rematch of the 2023 election between incumbent Mayor Jay Kahn and challenger Bradford Hutchinson.

There are just a few contested ward races this year. In Ward 3, Molly Ellis and John Schmitt are vying for the open seat being vacated by Councilor Andrew Madison, who is not seeking re-election. In Ward 5, Shane Brown is challenging incumbent Phil Jones.

Eight candidates are running for five Councilor-At-Large seats: Mitch Greenwald, Michele Chalice, Bettina Chadbourne, Robert Johnson, Steven Lindsey, Sam Jackson, Laura Ruttle-Miller, and Randy Filiault.

Councilors Kate Bosley and Bettina Chadbourne both earned enough write-in votes in the September primary to appear on the general election ballot. While Chadbourne accepted the nomination and is running, Bosley, who is not seeking re-election, declined to campaign for another term.

The ballot will also include several election official positions, including ward moderators, clerks, checklist supervisors, and selectmen.

Voting Information

The Municipal General Election takes place Tuesday, Nov. 4, with polls open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Voters can find their polling locations and more election details on the City of Keene website at keenenh.gov.