New Hampshire previously put the Republican Party column first on the general election ballot; then the Democratic column; then any others. The New Hampshire Supreme Court declared that system unconstitutional back on August 17.

On September 9, after a meeting with all interested parties, New Hampshire’s Secretary of State said that in November 2006, that Democrats will appear first in one-third of the state’s State Senate districts; Republicans will appear first in another third of those districts; and Libertarians and independents will appear first in the remaining third. After 2006, the system will be based on whatever the legislature decides, subject to the principle of the court decision, mandating equal opportunity for all to get the best spot on the ballot.