In a small town in New Hampshire, the United States took its first votes for the 2024 presidential election, marking a significant start to the electoral process. Kamala Harris, the vice president, and former president Donald Trump both received three votes in Dixville Notch, a locality famous for being the first to cast ballots in any U.S. election since the 1960s.
According to reports, voting began at midnight local time, with a celebratory accordion rendition of the national anthem preceding the casting of votes by six residents at a hotel. The final tally was completed shortly after voting commenced.
Les Otten, one of the voters, remarked that the release of these results serves as “a civic lesson for the country.” She emphasized the importance of voting as a fundamental right for American citizens, suggesting that educating people about this right could significantly contribute to civic engagement.
In past federal elections, Dixville Notch has shown support for Democratic candidates, with Joe Biden winning all five votes in the previous election. Hillary Clinton also fared well in 2016, securing four out of seven votes. On the Republican side, Nikki Haley had previously garnered all six votes in the last primary, though she exited the race due to Trump’s overwhelming support.
The tradition of early voting in this corner of the Northeast dates back to 1960, and only two presidents have managed to capture all the votes from the residents: Richard Nixon that same year and Biden in 2020.
As the rest of the country begins to open their polling places early in the morning, it is expected that some states could take days to finalize votes, especially in closely contested areas. Recent polling averages indicate a tight race, with Trump holding a slight lead in Arizona and competitive margins in other pivotal states.
This early voting tradition reflects the essence of democracy, highlighting the crucial role of civic participation. It’s a hopeful reminder that each vote counts and can significantly shape the future of the nation. The excitement around the electoral process in Dixville Notch serves as an invitation for all citizens to take part in their democratic rights.