Photos from the 2016 New Hampshire Primaries

'Every year it’s exciting,' said one Manchester resident. 'But I’m glad it’s over.'

By Sarah Fisher· 2/10/2016, 10:33 a.m.

New Hampshire Primaries 2016 Election 19

Photo by Sarah Fisher

The people of New Hampshire voted in the first primary of this year’s presidential election Tuesday—with a record-breaking more than half million voters cast their vote.

Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders both gained victories, winning their respective parties by significant margins. Sanders finished at 60 percent with Hillary Clinton coming in second with a significantly lower 38.3 percent. Trump finished with 35.2 percent among the Republican candidates, with John Kasich following at 15.8 percent.

With such a tumultuous election so far this year, New Hampshire’s primary was especially important. Politicians and their supporters flocked the city from all over the world, turning small towns into political playgrounds. In Manchester, New Hampshire, politicians stopped by local establishments, took selfies and talked to citizens one-on-one. The famous Red Arrow Diner attracted politicians and spectators alike—John Kasich, Ben Carson, and Ted Cruz all stopped by before 3 p.m. on Tuesday. Carol Lawrence-Erickson, who has owned the diner for 28 years and watched hundreds of politicians visit, said this primary season is one of the craziest she’s seen.

Yet, despite a last-minute rush to the polls, Manchester returned to it’s normal quiet once again.

“Every year it’s exciting,” said Manchester resident Cecil Lyons. “But I’m glad it’s over.”

Below, check out scenes from around New Hampshire: