The first in-person votes in the 2024 New Hampshire general election were cast early Tuesday morning as Dixville Notch continued its tradition of holding midnight voting. The tiny town, with a population of just six registered voters, has become a symbolic starting point for the state's elections, and this year was no different.

The results of the vote in Dixville Notch, however, may provide a glimpse into the tight race for the presidency, particularly in New Hampshire, a key battleground state. While the results are far from indicative of the overall outcome, they do offer a tantalizing suggestion of the close contest that may unfold on election night.

A Divided Vote

The six registered voters in Dixville Notch cast their ballots in a flurry of activity, with the results reflecting a close division in the presidential race. Three voters chose Democrat Kamala Harris, while three others supported Republican Donald Trump. This stark split underscores the potential for a narrow margin of victory in the state, which has a history of supporting Democrats in recent presidential elections.

Beyond the Presidency

The voting in Dixville Notch went beyond just the presidential race, as voters also cast ballots for the governor's race and the 2nd Congressional District. In the governor's race, five voters chose Republican Kelly Ayotte, while one voter went with Democrat Joyce Craig. For the 2nd Congressional District, four votes went to Democrat Maggie Goodlander, and two went to Republican Lily Tang Williams.

A Tradition Nearly 65 Years Old

The tradition of midnight voting in Dixville Notch dates back to the 1936 general election, when the first documented instance of such voting took place in Millsfield, New Hampshire. This practice has become an integral part of the state's electoral process, drawing media attention and highlighting the significance of New Hampshire as a crucial battleground state.

Symbolic Significance

While the results of the vote in Dixville Notch may not be representative of the overall election results, they offer a glimpse into the intense political landscape of the state. New Hampshire's history of supporting Democrats in recent presidential elections, coupled with the tight margins of victory in those elections, make it a crucial state for both parties.

The fact that only two presidential candidates have secured every vote in Dixville Notch - Richard Nixon in 1960 and Joe Biden in 2020 - further underscores the tight race for the presidency in New Hampshire.

A Look Ahead

As the votes are tallied throughout the day, all eyes will be on New Hampshire. With a history of tight elections and a reputation as a battleground state, New Hampshire's results will be closely watched and analyzed as the 2024 general election unfolds. The tight presidential race reflected in the results of the midnight vote in Dixville Notch serves as a reminder of the importance of this crucial state and the intense competition for its electoral votes.