By Web Desk 
The small New Hampshire hamlet of Dixville Notch is well-known for its tradition of casting the first votes in U.S. elections. Just after midnight, the town’s registered voters gather in a single room to cast their ballots, making this a historic and symbolic event that has been celebrated for over 60 years. This tradition started in 1960 and was adopted to support early-morning railroad workers, and it has continued ever since with brief pauses and occasional relocations within the hamlet’s main lodge
In 2024, this event unfolded at the Tillotson Room, a special area of the Balsams Grand Resort. Despite being a tiny community, Dixville Notch has consistently attracted attention during election cycles. It is one of only three U.S. locations legally permitted to close its polls as soon as all registered voters have cast their ballots, enabling them to publish the first results of Election Day.
These votes often garner media attention, symbolizing the nation’s kick-off to Election Day. Other nearby towns like Hart’s Location and Millsfield also participate in this midnight voting tradition, but Dixville Notch remains the most well-known for its enduring commitment to the ritual. This year’s midnight tally, while small in size, is emblematic of the significant public interest and symbolic weight that midnight voting holds in U.S. electoral traditions