November 3, 2008
Posted: November 3rd, 2008 06:56 PM ET

From
Dixville Notch residents are the first to weigh in.
Dixville Notch residents are the first to weigh in.

(CNN) - The first wave of election returns won't flow in until 7 p.m. ET Tuesday night, but the results in one precinct will be known much sooner.

Dixville Notch, an isolated village located in New Hampshire's northeast corner, will begin voting at the stroke of 12 a.m. Tuesday, and the ballots won't take long to tally: Dixville Notch only has about 20 registered voters.

The town, home to around 75 residents, has opened its polls shortly after midnight each election day since 1960, drawing national media attention for being the first place in the country to make its presidential preferences known - although since 1996, another small New Hampshire town, Hart's Location,reinstated its practice from the 1940s and also opens its polls at midnight.

But the result in Dixville Notch is hardly a reliable bellwether for the eventual winner of the White House or even the result statewide. Though New Hampshire is a perennial swing state, Dixville Notch consistently leans Republican - the last Democrat it picked was Hubert Humphrey over Richard Nixon in 1968.

President Bush also won the town in a landslide in the last two elections: He captured 73 percent of the vote in 2004 (19 residents picked Bush while six preferred Sen. John Kerry), and secured 80 percent of the vote in 2000 (21 votes for Bush, 5 votes for Al Gore.)

But the result could be close this year given Democrats now outnumber Republicans there. According to Donna Kaye Erwin, the supervisor of the voter checklist, Dixville Notch has five registered Democrats, four Republicans, and 11 undeclared voters.

The result could also be a nail biter given the town picked both John McCain and Barack Obama for the New Hampshire Democratic and Republican primaries last January. McCain ultimately won the state of New Hampshire, while Hillary Clinton upset Obama there.

Filed under: Barack Obama • John McCain • New Hampshire


latrell 774 jones   November 4th, 2008 1:17 am ET

Doesn't anyone remember what the arabs did to us on 9/11 obama is a freakin ARAB Americans don't make that stupid mistake go mccain

Vindicated   November 4th, 2008 12:04 am ET

On Nov 5 can we put Palin back on the first dog sled back to the tundra?

Marc   November 3rd, 2008 10:58 pm ET

Obama grandmother dies and I went on Greta's wire to leave a comment and I read some of the comments from the Fox News viewers. It was the most racist comments I could have read. It was really sad. One even said that Obama will get cancer and die like his grandmother. It showed me that as much as we want to think that racism is a thing of the past, it is still strong as ever. Know wonder we are the joke around the world.

Phil Newton in Murphy, Oregon   November 3rd, 2008 10:41 pm ET

I heard the five Democrats in Dixville Notch are being told to vote November 5.

REALLY!

(Not.)

Angel   November 3rd, 2008 10:19 pm ET

lol...

BrnEyeSuss   November 3rd, 2008 10:11 pm ET

Soccer Mom from Canada, Your post, was the kindest, sweetest post I have read all election,,,,Thank You

Go Obama !

roshi   November 3rd, 2008 9:55 pm ET

Obama has got to win this...the option is unthinkable.

Texas Teacher   November 3rd, 2008 9:51 pm ET

I just got home.... I just read here that Obama's Grandmother has crossed over to the other side. May all God's blessing be with her as she makes this last journey home.

May God bless Barack Obama and his family in this time of sorrow.

P.S. I hope he has the good news that he will be the President of the United States of American tomorrow. I wish his beloved Grandmother could have lived to share the moment with him! I know she will rejoice with him tomorrow night in her true home.

Soccer mom from Canada   November 3rd, 2008 9:50 pm ET

I wish you guys a peaceful and smooth election.

Jeff from Jersey   November 3rd, 2008 9:49 pm ET

I guess they don't get much news up there.

TJ from Canada   November 3rd, 2008 9:15 pm ET

Watch CNN election news nightly...always with great interest! So hoping America gives Obama the opportunity to show what he can do. He has so much potential...wish I could vote! Wondering as I watch the long early voting lineups....what happens if there all still long lines when polls close?

dgs Louisville   November 3rd, 2008 9:09 pm ET

Vote Obama-Biden 08! Vote Dem if your state has a Senate race! We need that magic 60. The icing on the cake will be for Mitch McConnell to lose his Senate seat. McConnell = Bush!

blue voice red state   November 3rd, 2008 9:08 pm ET

"This former democrat and Hillary supporter voted for McCain/Palin 08! They are America's only choice for authentic reform!"

I'm sorry, I just can't stop laughing at this sentence. Carry on.

Lost in Texas FOREVER   November 3rd, 2008 9:02 pm ET

Hey Marianna.....I got a little secret for you. Yes there will be some blacks vote for Obama because he's black, BUT there will be more that vote for him because he's a Democrat! Check the history of Afro- American voters and you'll find this is true.

Dan   November 3rd, 2008 8:59 pm ET

OBAMA!!!

CanadianforChange   November 3rd, 2008 8:58 pm ET

Greetings, neighbours!

I have observed the damage done by the extreme right wing for far too long now, and look forward to seeing some positive change on this continent. Get out there and Vote! Be part of the process, no matter how long it takes.

Condolences to Mr. Obama on the death of his beloved grandma. I had hoped she would live long enough to see him elected. May she rest in eternal peace.

Obama/Biden '08 :)

Go McCain/Palin   November 3rd, 2008 8:58 pm ET

My family and I are voting for,

McCain/Palin 08!!!!!!!

Carlos   November 3rd, 2008 8:55 pm ET

It is reaaly sad and quite telling how some individuals in this are so willing to demonstrate their stupidity in spewing their nonsense.

Most (indeed, if not all) the trash talking that goes on here is done by the grossly misinformed.

This is the caliber of voters out there; if that doesn't frighten you, nothing will!!

pray   November 3rd, 2008 8:53 pm ET

May God tonight give us his patience – - – -

Our Country is at the most critical junction of our young lives – - –

May greed and our lies be past us – - – -

Amen – - – -

Now – go VOTE!

mrkusn   November 3rd, 2008 8:53 pm ET

The little town in NH will not be much or a barometer for tomorrow. What is telling about tomorrow is that this election has pitted one generation against another. The majority of younger folks are going for Obama whether they are former Republicans or not. John McCain just has not captured the pulse of the upcoming generation. Obama speaks the language of the Gen X and millennials. Obama has targeted independants like me and has won me over-even though I am a traditional evangelical Gen Xer who voted for the GOP in the last four elections.

Critics of Obama says he has no substance and that he is all style. I guess they need to clear their ears a little and pay attention. If anything, it has been McCain who has repeated the same old GOP mantra since the early 80's.

Obama represents a shift from the old paradigms in politics.

soumah   November 3rd, 2008 8:50 pm ET

Democracy is beautiful. American political culture is exciting

soumah   November 3rd, 2008 8:38 pm ET

May god help this great nation for a right choice.I hope america winm in the process

Marie in Georgia   November 3rd, 2008 8:37 pm ET

vote,vote,vote, GOTV!!!! get out and vote. Get up early and vote. Be patient stay in the long lines, vote, video your vote. vote, vote, vote, every vote counts!!!!

dave bryant   November 3rd, 2008 8:37 pm ET

If we elect McCain to the White House ,we will have put a crotchety senile has been in charge of this counrty and Palin will be the Dunce Cap on America!!!!!!!

Karen - Missouri   November 3rd, 2008 8:34 pm ET

We want information about the STATE electoral college votes. Time for popular vote later.

mikeyjoe   November 3rd, 2008 8:28 pm ET

Hey Julius caesar Barack,

Mr. EEl – slippery, stealth, rookie with big-time liberal views.

After election – who ya gonna call when Israel Bombs Iran _ ghostbusters or Cnn??

Prove yourself and leave the world "world" out of your enormous ego pitch. You're a meglamaniac by psychological definition, and it shows more and more - dangerous!~!!

aware   November 3rd, 2008 8:27 pm ET

Vote wisely!

Which is better for our economy: Obama redistributing our wealth or McCain growing more wealth?

Obama will take more money from the Americans who already pay the great majority of income taxes and “spread the wealth” to many who don’t even pay taxes to begin with in the form of a government check. :(

Obama thinks it is his right to redistribute wealth, but it certainly isn’t the view of the average American worker, and it is obviously wrong.

McCain thinks the way for America to prosper is to leave Americans with more of their income, allowing them to do what they do best - create the businesses, jobs, and opportunities that drive our vast economy.

Government has to be paid for, and that money comes from guys like Joe the plumber. Politicians can either bleed him dry to fund their programs, or they can encourage Americans to create more jobs and more wealth – and keep government limited and effective.
Obama does not include survivors of botched abortions in his "the least of these!" :)

It is your choice!

This former democrat and Hillary supporter voted for McCain/Palin 08! They are America's only choice for authentic reform! :)

DeVone   November 3rd, 2008 7:52 pm ET

I hope that John Mcain donot win people this country
is in ruin and we need the get our country in shape
and a real change and for people to vote for John McCain
is not cool you'r truth is that you donot want a black man
as president

Obama Supporter from South Carolina   November 3rd, 2008 7:50 pm ET

My family already voted for Senator Obama.

"TOO LITTLE, TOO LATE OBAMA/BIDEN 08!!!!!!!!

marianna   November 3rd, 2008 7:49 pm ET

If many blacks vote for Obama because he's black, why is racist for whites to vote for McCain because he's white?

CaucAsian for O   November 3rd, 2008 7:48 pm ET

I wish all the racist red-necks out there would get a clue and realize that McCaine and Palin represent all the ignorant, selfish people out there who are all acting far from american. This country sure has a long way to go...This election WILL be a landslide, you just wait....

PoliticoMike   November 3rd, 2008 7:30 pm ET

I sobbed and teared for a man and family I've never met. I too was raised by grandmother and love her more than anything. That generation of women are tough, I tell you! I have to call mine and tell her I love her.
I hope his and his mom are looking down at their boy right now and make tomorrow a lot brighter for him and America.

charles   November 3rd, 2008 7:27 pm ET

Hey, that picture is from the primaries!

lol...

KU_FAN   November 3rd, 2008 7:25 pm ET

End of America by Obama......Care to translate your post for us, because it doesn't even make sense.

Obama/Biden 08!!!!!!!

anon   November 3rd, 2008 7:20 pm ET

Go McCain!! Silent majority rise up. Do you duty and put John McCain in the White House!!

Donna   November 3rd, 2008 7:20 pm ET

Why on earth is McCain still doing all these campaign stops all over the country, he is way too old for this much stuff .... He doesnt have a chance to win, EVERY poll and Every person with half a brain knows Obama and the Democrats are going to win in one landslide victory after another.. Americans are tired of the BUSH ways and all who support him and his horrible policies that have almost ruined the greatest nation known to man .... And it wasnt like the GOP can say they didnt know what they were getting ... they knew ..........and thats what they wanted ......... To rob america and her citizens blind ...... As soon as OBAMA gets in he should start investigations of the entire BUSH CABINET and every policy Bush pushed through should be reviewed .......CLOSELY ................... It will take DECADES to fix this mess the GOP and BUSH has put our great nation in but we will survive a lot wiser a lot more broke but I pray we never let the GOP in control of anything but themselves .....

Dominican for Obama   November 3rd, 2008 7:20 pm ET

Few more hours before we elect our new president "Obama". God Bless Your Family and ours.

California Gold   November 3rd, 2008 7:17 pm ET

November 4 is gonna be a long day. I don't think this is going to be a landslide election. Haven't had one in a long time. Hope and pray Obama and Biden win. I'm so tired of listening to John and Cindy McCain and Sarah Palin.

Ex-Republican for Obama   November 3rd, 2008 7:12 pm ET

Would be great if they came out the gates for Obama. That would be a way to make headlines. Being traditionally red and moving to blue in one of the most popular and talked about elections in modern history.

george from alaska   November 3rd, 2008 7:11 pm ET

adios mcfalin!

The World for Obama   November 3rd, 2008 7:11 pm ET

It is unfortunate that a place which has so much scenic beauty is plagued with so many Republicans.

THE END OF AMERICA by OBAMA   November 3rd, 2008 7:11 pm ET

God help this country be smart enough NOT to vote for obama.
We done need what he wants to do to this country.

Tiaunia - DALLAS, TEXAS   November 3rd, 2008 7:10 pm ET

Cant wait!

Obama/Biden all the way!

A Woman In California For Obama   November 3rd, 2008 7:10 pm ET

It doesn't matter a vote is a vote.

Welcome.

aliou, FL   November 3rd, 2008 7:10 pm ET

Easily cheated or fix 20 votes./

Arthur James   November 3rd, 2008 7:08 pm ET

I'm surprised neither candidate has gone there.

Zinger   November 3rd, 2008 7:08 pm ET

I hope they have early voting in Dixville Notch, that way we will know the winner just a minute past midnight.

INDEPENDENT   November 3rd, 2008 7:07 pm ET

GET REAL

Arizona for McCain   November 3rd, 2008 7:06 pm ET

McCain will pull this election off, and win tomorrow. He always does. God bless America that a true hero will lead our country.

Eric   November 3rd, 2008 7:06 pm ET

LIVE FREE OR DIE!!

I love my home state, and often wish I could be back there more often. However, while NH consistently has been a Republican state, the conservatism of NH is not the conservatism of Bush and the Republican party over the last eight years. Many Rs in NH feel betrayed by a cohort of Republican leaders who sold out traditional conservatism at the altar of power, and allowed the far right Southern conservative plantocracy to take over the party.

Fie on them!!!

Catholic-mom-4-OBAMA   November 3rd, 2008 7:05 pm ET

Well, Dixville Notch, if you are reading the blogs, I hope you will vote for CHANGE this year! THANK YOU!

Barbara - 65 yr old white female in NC   November 3rd, 2008 7:05 pm ET

I'm a grandmother that put my grandson thru high school.

I'm sorry Barack lost his grandmother on the day before he becomes President of the United States.

I know she will rest well, knowing she did the right thing. Just like I did, and just like a lot of you.

We didn't marry millionires to get us what we wanted, we worked for the people that stood little chance of even surviving.

KLEE   November 3rd, 2008 7:04 pm ET

OBAMA/BIDEN PLEASE.

Vote already   November 3rd, 2008 7:03 pm ET

CNN, FOXNEWS, all news organizations want us to believe that this election won't be a landslide. They just want you to come back again and again after the election for non-news like this.

KofTX   November 3rd, 2008 7:00 pm ET

GO OBAMA!!!!

Comments have been closed for this article

subscribe RSS Icon
About The Ticker

The latest political news from CNN's Best Political Team, with campaign coverage, 24-7. Sign up for our twice daily Ticker emails. Got a news tip or feedback? For complete political coverage, bookmark CNNPolitics.com.

CNN=Politics Screensaver

CNN=Politics ScreensaverTap into the power of The Situation Room. Download this powerful new tool that keeps you posted on the latest political news from the campaign trail.
Download (4.1 MB, PC only)

twitter
Categories
Powered by WordPress.com VIP