According to the initial results of CNN's exit poll, the New Hampshire GOP primary electorate was closely divided between voters registered as Republican and those registered as undeclared, or independents. This highlights the diverse political landscape in the state ahead of the presidential primary.

The exit poll indicates that nearly two-thirds of primary voters identified themselves as conservative, with about one-quarter considering themselves very conservative. However, approximately one-third described themselves as moderates, showcasing a significant portion of voters with more centrist political views.

While exit polls are estimations and not precise measurements of the electorate, they provide valuable insights into voters' demographic profile and political perspectives. The preliminary numbers have not yet been weighted to match the final primary results but offer a glimpse into the types of voters participating in the election.

Interestingly, most primary voters in New Hampshire did not identify with the "Make America Great Again" (MAGA) movement popularized by former President Donald Trump in 2016. Additionally, around half of respondents believed that President Joe Biden's victory over Trump in the 2020 election was legitimate, dismissing the baseless claims of widespread voter fraud.

Comparing the New Hampshire GOP primary to Iowa's caucuses, the voter profile differed significantly. In Iowa, nearly 9 in 10 caucus participants described themselves as conservative, with a majority aligning with the MAGA movement and doubting the legitimacy of Biden's victory. New Hampshire, on the other hand, presented a more diverse voter base with a broader range of political viewpoints.

Immigration and the economy emerged as the top issues among Republican primary voters in New Hampshire, similar to Iowa. However, fewer voters cited concerns over abortion or foreign policy as their primary focus. About 7 in 10 voters expressed dissatisfaction with the state of the economy, considering it to be either "not so good" or "poor."

On the immigration front, approximately half of the respondents in New Hampshire expressed a desire to see most undocumented immigrants in the US deported to their countries of origin. This stance demonstrated a contrast to Iowa, where a federal ban on most or all abortions met opposition from a majority of GOP caucus participants in New Hampshire.

When it comes to the role of the US abroad, voters in New Hampshire were divided. About 4 in 10 voters favored a less active role, while approximately 3 in 10 preferred a more active one. The remaining respondents believed that the country's involvement should maintain the status quo.

The exit poll, conducted by Edison Research on behalf of the National Election Pool, surveyed 1,565 Republican primary voters across 40 different polling places. The overall margin of error for the full sample stands at plus or minus 4.0 percentage points.

As the New Hampshire GOP primary draws to a close, these exit poll findings illuminate the diverse and sometimes contrasting political views present among Republican voters in the state.