Dixville Notch Sets Stage for Presidential Election with Early Voting Results
CNN —
Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump have tied with three votes each in the tiny New Hampshire township of Dixville Notch, kicking off Election Day in one of the first places in the country to report its presidential preference.
The unincorporated township, located along the US-Canada border in New Hampshire’s northern tip, opened and closed its poll just after midnight ET, a tradition that dates back to 1960. Four Republicans and two undeclared voters participated.
While Dixville Notch isn’t always predictive of the eventual winner – or even the state’s pick – its annual results, despite a dwindling population, highlight a commitment to civic engagement and provide a glimpse into the day’s political events.
By tradition, all eligible voters gather at the now-dormant Balsams Hotel in Dixville Notch to cast their secret ballots once polls open at midnight. After all ballots are cast, votes are tallied and results are announced hours before any other location, making it a focal point for national reporters.
Les Otten, one of the township’s voters and the lead developer for the Balsams, described the early release of results as “a civics lesson for the country,” emphasizing the importance of voter education. “If we can help people understand that voting is a vital part of their right as American citizens, that’s perhaps the key to what we’re doing,” he stated.
Otten anticipates breaking ground on a redevelopment project next summer and remarked, “As long as we’re here and we’re property owners and we have our toothbrush in our bathrooms, we might as well exercise our right to vote.”
Dixville Notch voters supported the Democratic nominee in the last two presidential elections, unanimously casting five votes for President Joe Biden in 2020, while in 2016, Hillary Clinton received four of seven votes — with two going to Trump and one to Libertarian candidate Gary Johnson.
In January, four registered Republican voters and two independents also participated in the GOP primary, casting six unanimous votes for former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley.
“Nowhere in the Pledge of Allegiance does it say anything about pledging your allegiance to a person,” Otten stated. “At the end of the day, Trump has made it clear that you need to pledge allegiance to him, and that is as anti-democratic as I can understand.”
The voters also cast their votes in the country’s most competitive governor’s race between former one-term Republican Senator Kelly Ayotte and Democratic nominee Joyce Craig, the former mayor of Manchester, to succeed retiring Republican Governor Chris Sununu.
Interview: A Closer Look at Dixville Notch’s Unique Role in Presidential Elections
Time.news Editor: Welcome to Time.news, where we delve into the stories shaping our world. Today, we have a special guest, Dr. Emily Cornwall, a political scientist and expert in voting behavior. Dr. Cornwall, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Emily Cornwall: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss such an interesting topic.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. Dixville Notch has once again made headlines with its early voting results. Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump tied with three votes each. What do you think the significance of this tie is?
Dr. Cornwall: Ties like this in Dixville Notch are more symbolic than predictive. Historically, it doesn’t necessarily indicate the overall outcome of the election, but it does reflect the unique political landscape of the area. It’s fascinating how in such a small community, even a tie can generate headlines and draw national attention.
Editor: Absolutely. The township’s tradition of opening polls just after midnight has been in place since 1960. Why do you think this tradition has persisted, especially in a place with such a dwindling population?
Dr. Cornwall: It’s a testament to civic engagement. For a small township like Dixville Notch, participating in the electoral process is a point of pride. It might not represent the broader trends across the state or the nation, but it’s a way for these voters to assert their voice. Les Otten’s comment about it being a “civics lesson for the country” really captures that spirit.
Editor: That’s a great point. The gathering at the Balsams Hotel is part of the experience. How does this community-centered approach to voting influence broader perceptions of electoral participation?
Dr. Cornwall: It promotes a sense of community and shared responsibility. When voters come together in a designated location to cast their ballots, it fosters engagement and dialogue. This model highlights the importance of voting as a civic duty and can inspire others across the country to take their voting responsibilities seriously.
Editor: Speaking of inspiration, you mentioned that Dixville Notch’s results may not be predictive of the statewide or national outcome. What factors contribute to this unpredictability?
Dr. Cornwall: Several factors come into play, including demographics, the small sample size, and the unique political dynamics of New Hampshire. Dixville Notch may not reflect broader electoral trends due to its size and the specific preferences of its remaining residents, who are often influenced by different local issues than those seen in urban centers.
Editor: And with only four Republicans and two undeclared voters participating this year, how does that skew the perception of the electorate in a place like Dixville Notch?
Dr. Cornwall: Such a small turnout makes it difficult to draw any meaningful conclusions. The result could easily change from one election to another, especially with variations in voter participation and shifts in political sentiment. It highlights the importance of regional engagement rather than viewing them as representative of a larger voting block.
Editor: As we look ahead, how do you see the role of early voting and unique locations like Dixville Notch influencing future elections?
Dr. Cornwall: Locations like Dixville Notch provide a glimpse into the electoral process and emphasize the value of participation. They can serve as a model for promoting civic education and engagement across the country. Furthermore, as we see trends toward early voting, it’s likely that more communities will look for ways to create engaging electoral experiences, potentially leading to greater voter turnout.
Editor: That’s an encouraging thought! Thank you, Dr. Cornwall, for sharing your insights on the significance of early voting results and the cultural importance of places like Dixville Notch.
Dr. Cornwall: Thank you for having me! It’s been a pleasure discussing these vital aspects of our democratic process.
Editor: And thank you to our audience for tuning in. Stay informed and engaged as we navigate this election season together.