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Politics

Dixville Notch's Midnight Vote: A Tie Between Trump and Harris

Tuesday 05 - 17:45

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The first official tally from the 2024 U.S. presidential election resulted in a tie in the quaint village of Dixville Notch, New Hampshire, with both Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump receiving three votes each. This outcome was announced shortly after midnight, adhering to the community's long-standing tradition of casting ballots at the stroke of twelve.

The voting process in this tiny enclave, which boasts a population of just six residents, took approximately 12 minutes to complete and certify. This year's tie marks a significant shift from the previous election cycle when the community unanimously supported Joe Biden, casting all five votes for him in 2020. Interestingly, four of the registered voters in Dixville Notch are Republicans, while two are independents, reflecting a diverse political landscape.

Dixville Notch has been a pioneer of early voting since 1960, a practice initiated to accommodate local rail workers who needed to fulfill their shifts before regular voting hours. The tradition began in nearby Hart's Location and has since become a symbolic event that garners national media attention each election year. Although the results from this small town do not always predict the final outcome of elections, Hillary Clinton won here in 2016 despite losing nationally, they provide an intriguing early glimpse into voter sentiment.

Tom Tillotson, a 79-year-old resident whose family helped establish this voting tradition at the Balsams Grand Resort Hotel, remarked on the typicality of the event. "This feels about normal," he stated, reflecting on the community's unique electoral customs. Scott Maxwell, another voter, expressed surprise at the split result, admitting he did not expect to vote for Trump himself.

Les Otten, who also participated in the voting, emphasized the civic importance of their early results. He described it as "a civics lesson for the country," highlighting how such traditions can inspire broader voter engagement across the nation.

As Dixville Notch continues to uphold its electoral customs amidst changing political tides, its results serve as both a historical marker and an intriguing prelude to what promises to be a closely contested election day across America.