Staff Reports
In the quaint hamlet of Dixville Notch, New Hampshire—a place that boasts a whopping six registered voters—there’s a tradition more sacred than even Thanksgiving turkey: voting at the stroke of midnight on Election Day. This year, as the clock struck twelve on November 5, the results of the early voting brought a surprising twist: Donald Trump and Kamala Harris tied with three votes apiece. It’s a reminder of just how weird and wild the political landscape has become in America.
This sleepy little town, famously outnumbered by a horde of reporters—some even flying in from as far away as Hong Kong—isn’t just a blip on the political radar; it’s a hallowed ground of American democracy. With cameras flashing and a couple of adorably confused dogs milling about, the stage was set for this annual spectacle. Although the treasured Balsams Resort was closed for renovations, the voting still unfolded in the charming Tillotson House, proving that even voting traditions must adapt in the face of renovations.
🚨BREAKING HOLY SH* T ITS HAPPENING 🚨
The tiny town of Dixville Notch New Hampshire has a tradition of midnight voting.
In 2020, Joe Biden received all 5 votes. Trump received 0.
Tonight Donald Trump won 3/6 votes. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/0MDo7I5p0X
— Chuckyfamous! (@Nem_Famous) November 5, 2024
Given that four of the local six are registered Republicans and two remain “unenrolled,” there was initial excitement but also a fair amount of indecision among the voters. Just months prior, they had rallied behind Nikki Haley, illustrating the unpredictable nature of political loyalties. One courageous voter even considered casting a write-in for Haley—a bold maneuver in a small-town election where every ballot counts. Clearly, the choices for once-loyal Haley fans have become a bit murkier, leaving folks fumbling in a political fog.
While one might think that with only six ballots cast, this event is merely a novelty act in a broader electorate, there’s been historical precedent for the voting outcome. From 2000 to 2012, the town managed to pick the winner of the presidential election—until 2016 when the magic fizzled out. Coming off a Biden-fueled election in 2020, the stakes this time around seemed less predictable than an evening weather report. For many, this is as good a chance as any to play armchair political analyst, even if the hermetically sealed corridor of Dixville Notch doesn’t quite resemble the bustling arenas of larger campaigns.
However, amidst the absurdity of the midnight circus, some locals found themselves swept up in a healthy dose of political melodrama. Reports of overwhelmed residents navigating the attention of a watching nation created more tension than a high school prom. Yet, in the evolving reality of American politics, one element stood resolute: the tradition of voting—no matter how small the crowd—remains crucial to the pulse of democracy itself. Whether or not Joe from Colebrook found the whole thing “neat,” it’s clear that Dixville Notch is embodying a curious blend of cutting-edge chaos and quaint customs.
Dixville Notch’s peculiar charm is not merely a function of its size; it’s a showcase of eccentric Americana, where even a dog chasing a ballot box feels like part of a larger, slightly absurd, tapestry of civic engagement. Now, in the days leading up to the rest of the country casting their votes, the world watches—hoping for more clarity than the muddled primary circus earlier this year. Ultimately, whether the early voting results lean slightly in favor of Trump or Harris, the town serves as a reminder that in democracy, even the smallest voices can make a big deal out of nothing. After all, it’s not just six people voting; it’s six individuals with significant opinions—very important when viewed through the ultra-judgmental lens of today’s political climate.
