The Historic Dixville Notch, New Hampshire Election Day Tradition
Politics as Usual in Dixville Notch
On Tuesday, November 8, 2022, Dixville Notch, New Hampshire, cast the first ballots in the midterm elections. Dixville Notch is located in the far northern part of the state, in the town of Dixville. Since 1960, the town has held the distinction of being the first in the nation to report its election results. According to Dixville Notch tradition, the polls open at midnight on Election Day. Once the polls close at 12:01 a.m., the ballots are immediately counted, and the results are announced to the world.
This year, a total of 10 people cast ballots in Dixville Notch. The results were as follows:
- Chris Pappas (D) for U.S. Senate: 5 votes
- Chuck Morse (R) for U.S. Senate: 3 votes
- Annie Kuster (D) for U.S. House of Representatives: 5 votes
- Robert Burns (R) for U.S. House of Representatives: 3 votes
- Maggie Hassan (D) for Governor: 4 votes
- Kevin Smith (R) for Governor: 4 votes
Political and Historical Significance
The Dixville Notch tradition has been going on for over 60 years. It is a unique and important part of American political history. What was once a quirky tradition has developed into a significant moment as the nation watches to see which way the political winds are blowing. The results from Dixville Notch are often seen as a bellwether for the rest of the country. In recent years, the results have been mixed. In 2016, Donald Trump won the Dixville Notch vote, but he went on to lose the national popular vote to Hillary Clinton. In 2020, Joe Biden won the Dixville Notch vote, and he went on to win the national popular vote and the Electoral College. Because of its small sample size, it’s vital to remember Dixville Notch should not be seen as representative of national trends.
Regardless of the outcome, the Dixville Notch tradition is a reminder of the importance of voting. It is a chance for every voice to be heard, no matter how small the town. Dixville Notch may only consist of a few dozen residents, but their voices are just as important as anyone else’s.
Dixville Notch Beyond Election Day
While Dixville Notch is best known for its Election Day tradition, it is also a beautiful and historic town. The town is home to the Balsams Grand Resort Hotel, which was once one of the most popular resorts in the country. Dixville Notch is also a popular destination for hikers and skiers. The town is located in the White Mountains, and there are several hiking trails and ski resorts in the area.
If you are ever in New Hampshire, be sure to visit Dixville Notch. It is a beautiful and historic town with a unique political tradition. And who knows, you might even be there on Election Day to witness history in the making.
