Quick Hit:

In New Hampshire’s first official vote, the midnight tradition of Dixville Notch resulted in a 3-3 tie between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, marking a notable shift from previous years in the small, symbolic town.

Key Details:

• Six registered voters cast ballots in Dixville Notch, NH, splitting evenly between Trump and Harris, 3-3.
• Trump improved on his previous performances in the town, gaining one more vote than in 2016 and three more than in 2020.
• Harris has warned voters that election results may not be finalized on Election Day, reflecting the potential for close margins in the 2024 race.

Diving Deeper:

In New Hampshire’s iconic Dixville Notch, where voting opens at midnight on Election Day, a tie emerged between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, with each candidate securing three votes. Known for its symbolic, first-in-the-nation voting, the tiny town has long garnered attention despite having just a handful of voters.

The 2024 results signify a notable shift for Trump in Dixville Notch. In the 2016 election, Trump received two votes, losing to Democrat Hillary Clinton, who garnered four, with the remaining votes going to other candidates. In 2020, the town’s five votes all went to Joe Biden, marking Trump’s worst showing in this early precinct. This year’s even split between Trump and Harris is seen by some as a positive indicator for Trump’s campaign, as he has now tied where he previously faced a sweeping loss.

The midnight voting in Dixville Notch is largely symbolic but has historically drawn media attention. In past years, outcomes in Dixville Notch have occasionally aligned with national trends, correctly predicting election outcomes in 2000, 2004, and 2008. However, the town missed the mark in 2012, casting its votes for Mitt Romney over eventual winner Barack Obama, and in 2020 when all votes went to Biden.

The tie also adds fuel to discussions about what many expect to be a close race. In recent remarks, Harris cautioned that election results may not be immediately available, alluding to the potential for delays similar to 2020 due to close margins and the anticipated high voter turnout. “It will take time to count every vote,” Harris said, warning that results might not be confirmed on Election Night.

As Election Day unfolds, both the Trump and Harris campaigns have emphasized the importance of voting and reassured supporters that they retain their right to cast ballots if they’re in line when polls close. According to voting watchdogs like VerifyThis, all registered voters in line at closing time are legally allowed to cast their vote, even if processing extends beyond scheduled hours.