In a notable start to Election Day, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump each received three votes in the small New Hampshire township of Dixville Notch. This early reporting from one of the first locations in the United States to reveal its presidential preferences highlights the unique traditions of this unincorporated township, which has a long history of participating in the electoral process.
Dixville Notch: A Time-Honored Tradition
Located at the northern tip of New Hampshire along the US-Canada border, Dixville Notch opened its polls just after midnight ET, a tradition that dates back to 1960. Despite its dwindling population, the township continues to draw attention on Election Day, making it a focal point for political enthusiasts and national media. This year, four Republicans and two undeclared voters participated in the midnight voting.
While the results from Dixville Notch are not necessarily predictive of the eventual winner of the election or even the state’s outcome, they represent a significant tradition that local leaders celebrate. The early results generate excitement and offer a glimpse into the day’s political climate.
Voting Process at the Balsams Hotel
As part of the longstanding tradition, eligible voters gather at the now-dormant Balsams Hotel in Dixville Notch to cast their secret ballots as soon as the polls open at midnight. Once all votes are cast, they are tallied and announced promptly, hours ahead of results from other areas. This unique practice attracts national reporters, often outnumbering the voters themselves.
Les Otten, a local voter and lead developer of the Balsams project, described the early results as “a civics lesson for the country.” He emphasized the importance of voting as a fundamental right for American citizens, stating, “if we can help people get out and understand that voting is an important part of their right as an American citizen, that’s perhaps the key to what we’re doing.” Otten expressed optimism about breaking ground on the redevelopment project next summer, while underscoring the importance of exercising the right to vote.
A Shift in Voting Trends
Historically, Dixville Notch has leaned Democratic in recent elections. In 2020, voters unanimously cast five votes for President Joe Biden, while in 2016, Hillary Clinton won four of seven votes—two went to Trump, and one to Libertarian candidate Gary Johnson. In January, during the GOP primary, the township saw four registered Republican voters and two independents unanimously cast six votes for former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley.
Political Views and Statements
Les Otten, 75, and a lifelong Republican, indicated before the election that he would be voting for Harris. He articulated his views on political allegiance, stating, “Nowhere in the Pledge of Allegiance does it say anything about pledging your allegiance to a person. And I think at the end of the day, Trump has made it clear that you need to pledge allegiance to him, and he alone can fix this, and that is as anti-democratic as I can understand.”
Governor’s Race Highlighted
In addition to the presidential vote, Dixville Notch residents participated in what is considered the nation’s most competitive governor’s race. Former one-term Republican Senator Kelly Ayotte is vying against Democratic nominee Joyce Craig, the former mayor of Manchester, to succeed retiring Republican Governor Chris Sununu. The outcome of this race is anticipated with great interest, reflecting the political landscape of New Hampshire.
