New Hampshire, November 5 – The 2024 US presidential election officially commenced early Tuesday morning with voters in Dixville Notch, New Hampshire, casting the first ballots. This small town is known for its long-standing tradition of voting at midnight, and this year, six registered voters participated, resulting in a tie between Democratic candidate Kamala Harris and Republican candidate Donald Trump, with each receiving three votes.
Heightened Security Measures
As polling stations opened across the country, local officials implemented extensive security protocols to safeguard the election process. This includes the presence of snipers on rooftops at critical vote-counting locations, panic buttons for election workers, and the use of surveillance drones, as reported by The Washington Post.
Early Voting Trends
Prior to Election Day, tens of millions of voters had already cast their ballots through early voting and mail-in options. Data from the University of Florida's Election Lab indicates that more than 82 million ballots were submitted by Monday night, reflecting a significant engagement from the electorate.
A Divisive Election Landscape
The 2024 election is characterized as one of the most contentious in American history, with voters deeply divided on pivotal issues such as the economy, immigration, and abortion rights. Harris and Trump have both expressed concerns about the potential fallout from the election results, with public sentiment indicating widespread anxiety. An annual survey by the American Psychological Association revealed that 77% of US adults consider the future of the nation a significant source of stress, while 74% worry about possible violence resulting from the election outcome.
A Call for Unity
As the election unfolds, local voters like Annmarie Pintal and Scott Maxwell have emphasized the need for unity and grace, regardless of the election's outcome. "We need unity. We need to come together on common ground, " said Maxwell, reflecting a shared desire for healing amid the political divide.