Tiny NH Town’s Midnight Vote Sets Stage for Historic Harris-Trump Showdown
In a dramatic start to Election Day 2024, the remote township of Dixville Notch, New Hampshire, made history as Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump tied with three votes each in one of America’s most unique voting traditions.
As the clock struck midnight on November 5, six voters gathered at the historic Balsams Hotel to cast the nation’s first official ballots for the 2024 presidential election. The split decision—with four Republicans and two independents participating—sets the stage for what promises to be one of America’s most closely watched elections.
A Time-Honored Tradition
The midnight voting tradition in Dixville Notch, which sits along the US-Canada border, dates back to 1960. While the township’s population has dwindled over the years, its commitment to this democratic ritual remains strong. Town moderator Tom Tillotson often says, “We get our 15 minutes of fame every four years.”
Les Otten, a longtime Republican voter and key figure in the community, made headlines by crossing party lines to support Harris. “Nowhere in the Pledge of Allegiance does it say anything about pledging your allegiance to someone,” Otten explained. His decision reflects the complex political dynamics at play in this election.
The Voting Process
The midnight voting procedure follows a simple but meaningful pattern:
- All eligible voters gather at midnight.
- Votes are cast by secret ballot.
- Results are announced immediately after counting.
- National media typically outnumber the voters themselves.
Historical Context
Recent voting history in Dixville Notch shows intriguing patterns:
- 2020: All five votes went to Joe Biden
- 2016: Hillary Clinton won four votes, Trump received two, and one went to Gary Johnson.
- 2024 Primary: Nikki Haley received all six Republican primary votes.
Beyond Dixville Notch
While Dixville Notch garners national attention, it’s worth noting that other New Hampshire towns have similar traditions. Hart’s Location and Millsfield previously participated in midnight voting, though they’re not conducting it this year. These communities represent a unique piece of American electoral history, immortalized in popular culture through shows like “The West Wing.”
Looking Ahead
One might see the tie in Dixville Notch as a metaphor for the nation’s political division. While the township’s small sample size means it isn’t necessarily predictive of the final outcome, it serves as a powerful reminder of how every vote counts in American democracy.
Les Otten, who’s leading the Balsams Hotel redevelopment project, sees the midnight vote as more than just a tradition: “If we can help people understand that voting is an important part of their right as an American citizen, that’s perhaps the key to what we’re doing.”
Why It Matters
This small-town tradition carries greater significance:
- Demonstrates grassroots democracy in action
- Highlights the importance of civic participation
- It marks the symbolic beginning of Election Day.
- It demonstrates the ability of small communities to uphold significant political customs.
As the nation awaits the final results, Dixville Notch’s tie vote reminds us that in American democracy, every voice matters, whether from the smallest township or the largest city. Now, the real question is whether the early indication of a close race will manifest itself in the upcoming national results.
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