Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Make a sustaining gift today to support local journalism!
News from everywhere *but* Central New Hampshire.

Dixville Notch Voters (All 10) Prepare For Midnight Balloting

The Balsams resort is temporarily closed but next Tuesday residents of Dixville Notch still plan on being the first voters in the nation.

NHPR’s Chris Jensen reports.

Just at midnight, while sensible people are sleeping, folks from Dixville Notch will be voting.

But for the first time since 1960 they won’t be at the Balsams resort.

It’s closed for a renovation.

Instead they will gather at a nearby ski lodge, says Scott Tranchemontagne, a spokesman for the resort.

“The Balsams is very proud of its tradition of hosting the first-in-the-nation vote since 1960, so, that tradition must live on.”

There are 10 registered voters in Dixville Notch.

It is likely there will be four to five times as many reporters.

The results will dutifully reported nationwide but Tranchemontagne agrees it is fair to question the news value.

 “Quite frankly, it is a fun tradition.”

However, in the 2008 primary 17 Dixville voters did well.

Man announcing: “Everybody step back. Voters will be coming through.”

They picked Barack Obama and John McCain.

For NHPR News this is Chris Jensen

Related Content

You make NHPR possible.

NHPR is nonprofit and independent. We rely on readers like you to support the local, national, and international coverage on this website. Your support makes this news available to everyone.

Give today. A monthly donation of $5 makes a real difference.