Berlin Winner Delayed; See the Ballots Democrats Are Challenging

High Resolution Copies of Each Ballot Can Be Found Below

BERLIN, NH — New Hampshire House Democrats are delaying the seating of Republican Rep.-elect Marc Tremblay after announcing an appeal of Monday’s recount, preventing the GOP winner from being sworn in despite multiple counts confirming his victory.

The Nov. 4 special election in Berlin was conducted as a hand-count contest at two polling locations. According to election officials, both locations were counted at least three separate times on election night to verify accuracy. The results consistently showed Tremblay leading Democrat Corinne Cascadden.

During the Secretary of State’s formal review, officials discovered 10 previously uncounted ballots — all cast for Cascadden — which narrowed but did not erase Tremblay’s lead. The ballots were added, and Monday’s full recount once again affirmed Tremblay as the winner.

Republicans say they were prepared to swear him in Wednesday.

“We could have sworn in Rep-Elect Marc Tremblay today following Monday's recount, but thanks to NH Dems obstructionists, we can't,” Deputy House Majority Leader Joe Sweeney (R-Salem) said. “His swearing in will be delayed until the Ballot Law Commission verifies for the third time that Marc won the Berlin Special. Shame on NH Dems!”

House Democratic Caucus Chair Rep. Matt Wilhelm (D-Manchester) announced the appeal shortly after the recount concluded. “We appreciate the diligent work of the Berlin city clerk, local election officials and the secretary of state's office throughout this process,” Wilhelm said.

The appeal centers on a small batch of challenged ballots — several of which show clear voter intent when viewed under standard New Hampshire recount rules. Ballots challenged by Democrats include:

• Single, cleanly filled ovals for Tremblay.

• Stray check marks or pen strokes unrelated to candidate selection.

• One ballot ruled an overvote due to both ovals being marked.

These are the same types of questions resolved routinely in recounts statewide.

Election officials emphasize that voter intent is the guiding standard in New Hampshire recounts. The challenged ballots are consistent with long-established practice and appear unlikely to change the outcome.

Despite the repeated counts — a minimum of three reviews on election night, a discovery review by the Secretary of State, and a formal recount — Tremblay must wait to be seated while the Ballot Law Commission prepares to examine the Democratic appeal. Had Democrats dropped their objections after the recount affirmed the results, Tremblay could have been sworn in on Nov. 12.

Democrats have not alleged misconduct, fraud, or procedural errors. Their challenge focuses solely on the interpretation of individual ballots already reviewed in public.

Tremblay’s victory continues a recent trend of strong Republican showings in Berlin-area special elections, a region that has increasingly become competitive territory for the GOP.

The Ballot Law Commission is expected to take up the appeal in the coming days.