In Dixville Notch, New Hampshire, Election Day 2024 began with a symbolic tie between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, each receiving three votes in the township’s iconic midnight ballot count. Known for being one of the first in the nation to report its presidential vote, this tiny unincorporated community, nestled along the US-Canada border, upheld a unique tradition that dates back to 1960.
The tradition of midnight voting in Dixville Notch involves all eligible voters gathering at the historic Balsams Hotel. This year, four Republicans and two independents cast their secret ballots in the early hours, with results announced just minutes later. Though the township’s vote is not typically indicative of broader national or even statewide trends, it’s a much-anticipated event for political enthusiasts and media who descend on the area to capture the event.
Les Otten, one of Dixville Notch’s six voters and the lead developer of the Balsams, emphasized the event’s significance as a civic demonstration, remarking, “It’s a civics lesson for the country. If we can inspire people to recognize voting as a vital American right, then we’ve done something meaningful.” Otten, a longtime Republican, also mentioned his decision to support Harris, citing a belief in pledging allegiance to democratic principles over individual personalities.
Dixville Notch, which unanimously supported Joe Biden in 2020 and leaned Democratic in recent elections, has consistently attracted national attention for its small but historic role in the democratic process. The voting event was initially pioneered by nearby towns Millsfield and Hart’s Location, but only Dixville Notch has maintained the midnight vote consistently in recent years.
The tie could be interpreted as somewhat unlikely considering the past few election cycles and could foreshadow a larger than expected republican trend in the state for the full vote tally to come.
Beyond the presidential vote, the town’s residents also cast ballots in other key races, including the state’s highly competitive gubernatorial election. Former Republican Senator Kelly Ayotte triumphed over Democratic nominee Joyce Craig, the former mayor of Manchester, with a vote tally of 5-1. Additionally, Democrat Maggie Goodlander took the township’s Congressional district vote with a 4-2 margin.
With just six registered voters, the tiny town’s midnight results serve as a ceremonial opening to Election Day across the United States. Journalists and locals gathered at The Balsams to witness the unique tradition, underscoring that, despite a diminishing population, Dixville Notch’s commitment to exercising the right to vote remains undiminished.
