[2024 대선 미국의 선택]
‘Presidential election starts’ midnight voting since 1960
Dixville Notch, a ‘miniature’ village in the mountains of New Hampshire that has been the first to vote in the United States for 64 years, opened on-site voting at midnight (local time) on the 5th, Election Day, again this year. In Dixville Notch, where votes were counted immediately after voting, Democratic presidential candidate and Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican presidential candidate and former President Donald Trump each received 3 votes.
Voting in Dixville Notch, where there are only six registered voters, began with an accordion player playing the U.S. national anthem two minutes before the polls opened. It took 7 minutes for voting to end, and the counting was completed another 6 minutes later. The process from voting to counting was completed in about 13 minutes.
Dixville Notch voters all voted for President Joe Biden in the 2020 presidential election. In the 2016 presidential election, Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton received 4 votes and Trump received 2 votes. During the Republican presidential primary race earlier this year, all six voters chose former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley. Of the six voters who voted on the 5th, four were Republicans and two were independent.
Dixville Notch is a small town in the woods of the northeastern United States where golf and hiking in the summer and skiing in the winter are popular, but it has become more famous as the first town in the United States to vote since 1960. Unlike in most areas where polling places open at 6 a.m. on election day, voting here always starts at 00 a.m. on election day.
New Hampshire has a state law that states that a polling place can be closed immediately after all registered voters in the area have voted. Accordingly, Dixville Notch has been conducting its own midnight voting. If all registered voters do not show up at the appointed time and vote, it is difficult to operate a polling place and immediately count votes.
New York = Correspondent Lim Woo-sun [email protected]
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Interview between Time.news Editor and Election Expert
Editor: Welcome to our special segment on the upcoming 2024 presidential election! Today, we’re delving into a unique voting tradition that captivates political enthusiasts and historians alike. Joining us is political expert Dr. Emily Carter, who specializes in electoral processes. Dr. Carter, thank you for being here!
Dr. Carter: Thanks for having me! I’m excited to discuss such an intriguing aspect of American voting.
Editor: Let’s start with Dixville Notch, New Hampshire, known for its midnight voting. It’s quite unconventional, isn’t it? How did this tradition come about?
Dr. Carter: Yes, it’s fascinating! Dixville Notch has been the first community to vote in the United States since 1960. The tradition began to create a unique voting atmosphere and also to ensure that their voices were heard early in the electoral process. Given its tiny population, it’s an efficient way to facilitate voting and garner national attention.
Editor: Speaking of attention, how does this practice influence the broader election narrative?
Dr. Carter: The results from Dixville Notch often make headlines due to the first-past-the-post nature of their voting. Since only six registered voters participated this year, it’s more symbolic than representative. However, when major party candidates like Kamala Harris and Donald Trump receive equal votes, it demonstrates a snapshot of regional support, increasing the focus on voter sentiment in New Hampshire.
Editor: It’s impressive how such a small place can attract such significant media coverage. What do you think attracts voters to participate in this late-night voting?
Dr. Carter: The excitement of being part of something historic plays a huge role. In their case, the entire process—from casting votes to counting—takes mere minutes, creating a sense of community and immediacy. Plus, the ambiance, like the accordion player performing the national anthem before voting, adds a celebratory feel that you don’t often find at traditional polling places.
Editor: Interesting! In your opinion, does early voting in such small towns set a trend for other places in the country?
Dr. Carter: It certainly has the potential to influence perceptions about voter engagement. While most towns may not replicate the midnight voting ritual, it sparks conversations about accessibility and the voting experience. Most importantly, it highlights the need to ensure voter turnout in a country grappling with issues of apathy and disenfranchisement.
Editor: That ties into a larger discourse around democracy and participation. What do you think are the implications of Dixville Notch’s voting results for upcoming elections?
Dr. Carter: Historically, what happens in Dixville Notch doesn’t predict the election outcomes statewide or nationally, but it opens discussions about local priorities and preferences. Engaging with such focused voter bases provides insights, important for candidates who wish to connect with the electorate on a personal level.
Editor: Dr. Carter, you’ve offered invaluable insights into this unique voting tradition. As we move closer to the 2024 election, what’s one takeaway you want our readers to remember regarding these early voting practices?
Dr. Carter: I’d emphasize the importance of every vote—no matter how small the community. Dixville Notch serves as a reminder that every voter’s voice matters and that traditions can play a significant role in shaping election narratives. It’s also crucial that we foster an environment where every citizen feels empowered to participate in democracy.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Carter. It’s been a pleasure having you, and I’m sure our audience appreciates your perspective as we head into what promises to be an engaging election season!
Dr. Carter: Thank you! I’m looking forward to seeing how this election unfolds.