He’s Not on the N.H. Ballot, but Biden’s Allies Hope He’ll Still Win

If President Biden’s re-election campaign can feel like a slog elsewhere, the write-in effort for him in New Hampshire’s primary election is infused with the sort of joy found in spirited underdogs.

Veteran Democrats in the state have been pushing the party’s voters and independents to write in the name of Mr. Biden on Tuesday, a move necessitated by his absence from the ballot after New Hampshire fought his decision to push the state back on the nominating calendar.

The effort has energized New Hampshire Democrats, who have long chafed under the micromanagement of national party leaders. The write-in effort has freed them from outside interference and allowed them to run a campaign as they like.

And they are growing optimistic.

With no backing or communication from the Democratic National Committee or Mr. Biden’s campaign headquarters in Delaware, these New Hampshire Democrats, who began the Write-In Biden campaign late last year, now expect to help deliver the president an overwhelming victory.

“There’s a lot going on here to support Joe Biden,” said Kathleen Sullivan, a former chairwoman of the New Hampshire Democratic Party who is leading a write-in Biden super PAC. “We’ve been able to build some energy and excitement and support for him that we’re not seeing anywhere else in the country.”

Mr. Biden did not submit his name for the primary ballot after New Hampshire refused to comply with the Democratic National Committee’s new calendar, which made South Carolina the first presidential nominating state.