As the New Hampshire general election kicks off, the first in-person votes were cast at midnight in the small town of Dixville Notch, where a mere six registered voters made their voices heard in this pivotal moment. The tradition, which dates back to 1960, saw voters casting their ballots in a wooden box shortly after midnight, with results announced just minutes later. In a surprising twist, the presidential race resulted in a tie, with both Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump receiving three votes each. The polls, which opened at midnight, closed at 12:07 a.m. ET after all six voters had cast their ballots.
Dixville Notch has garnered attention over the years for its early voting tradition, and the 2024 election is no exception. In the previous general election, Joe Biden swept the votes, winning all five cast in the town. However, the 2024 New Hampshire Republican primary was different, as all six votes went to former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, leaving Trump without a single vote.
As the election day unfolds, the atmosphere is charged with tension. Both Harris and Trump have made last-minute pushes for voter turnout, reflecting the high stakes of the election. A recent NBC News poll indicates a national tie at 49% for both candidates, with battleground surveys showing tight margins in key states. Millions of Americans are expected to head to the polls, although it remains uncertain how long it will take to count all the votes.
The recent history of narrow election results looms large in the minds of voters. In 2016, Trump won against Democrat Hillary Clinton by a margin of approximately 77,000 votes across three states. Similarly, in 2020, Biden narrowly defeated Trump, with a spread of about 44,000 votes across the same states.
Adding a unique twist to the election buzz, Moo Deng, a pygmy hippopotamus from Thailand who has become a TikTok sensation, has taken on the role of an election prognosticator. In a playful prediction, Moo Deng’s caretakers at Khao Kheow Open Zoo offered her two fruit platters—each containing a piece of watermelon inscribed with the names of either Trump or Harris. In a lighthearted video posted on social media, the baby hippo chose the Trump platter, delighting his supporters while seemingly snubbing Harris. While Moo Deng’s intervention brought smiles to some, others criticized the idea of involving a young hippo in politics, emphasizing the importance of keeping her out of the election fray.
With voters finally taking center stage after months of campaign ads, polling data, and punditry, the nation eagerly anticipates the outcome. Millions are poised to cast their ballots, ultimately deciding whether to send Vice President Harris or former President Trump back to the Oval Office.
The campaign has laid bare deep ideological divides between the two parties, highlighting a significant gender gap. According to the latest NBC News poll, Harris enjoys a 16-percentage-point lead among women voters, while Trump commands an 18-point advantage among men. This election marks a significant moment, as it is the second time in a decade that a Democratic woman is vying against Trump for the presidency.
Both campaigns have focused on mobilizing women voters, recognizing the crucial role they play in determining the election’s outcome. At his final rally before the election, Trump raised concerns about the vote-counting process, suggesting that the machines used for counting ballots might delay results. “Maybe it will take these machines that we pay so much for two weeks. Can you believe it?” he remarked, advocating for the reliability of paper ballots over electronic voting systems. His comments echoed sentiments he expressed in previous elections, reflecting ongoing debates about the integrity and efficiency of the voting process.
As the election unfolds, expectations are high for a dramatic showdown between the two candidates. Voter turnout is anticipated to be substantial, with millions eager to voice their opinions in this critical election. The tension in the air is palpable as both candidates prepare for the results, hoping to solidify their paths to the White House.
With the polls now closed and votes being tallied, the nation holds its breath in anticipation. The next few hours will be pivotal, determining not only the immediate future of U.S. politics but also setting the stage for broader ideological battles in the years to come. Voters in Dixville Notch may have cast their votes in a quaint tradition, but their decisions are part of a much larger narrative that unfolds across the country.
As the day progresses, Americans will reflect on the implications of their choices. With a tumultuous campaign drawing to a close, the outcome remains uncertain, and the stakes could not be higher. The nation’s focus is now on the final tally and the momentous decision that will shape the future of the country. With both candidates rallying their bases, the battle for the presidency continues to intensify, and the path to the Oval Office is fraught with challenges and possibilities.