US presidential elections 2024: victory of Nikki Halley in New Hampshire

Shortly after midnight, the six voters in the Dixville Notch district, in the northern end of the state, all chose the former governor of South Carolina as the Republican Party's candidate for the next presidential election.

The counts took place a few minutes after the vote. The six bulletins were read aloud. “This is a very clear signal, all the voters of Dixville Notch have made it clear that they have had enough of the s— and the hysteria,” commented Leslie Otten, the owner of The Balsams Hotel, himself. even one of the six voters. “Nikki Haley is conservative, and doesn’t play negative politics,” he says, “she’s a breath of fresh air.”

Dixville Notch is known for its air quality. In the snowy mountains of northern New Hampshire, near the border with Quebec, this small town is mainly made up of a large hotel, The Balsams. Built in the 19th century, this establishment welcomes golfers in summer and skiers in winter. Since the 1960s, the first election in New Hampshire has also taken place there, the first state to vote for the American presidential primaries. “My father, who bought the hotel in the 1950s, started this tradition to avoid having to travel snowy roads in the middle of winter to vote,” explains Tom Tillotson, who took over the duties of moderator and responsible for the election.

With the hotel closed for renovations for around ten years, the vote was held in the living room of Leslie Otten, who is leading the renovation project.

The event resembles a friendly reception to winter sports. Dozens of reporters and television cameras report on the event. The voting booths are behind a row of American flags. The wooden ballot box is placed on a table where the six voters are seated. Leslie Otten's dogs enjoy the cookies falling from the buffet. We serve cocktails while waiting for midnight.

Outside, snow falls silently in the frozen forest. Signs advise motorists to exercise caution in the event of an unexpected encounter with a moose, which are numerous in the region.

The Dixville Notch vote does not have the capacity to be representative. “We’re too small a community,” said Annmarie Turcotte, registered as a Republican, along with three other voters. The other two are independent. “New Hampshire isn’t considered representative either apparently, but the whole point of an election is that everyone can have their say.”

Leslie Otten is also committed to New Hampshire's primacy in the primaries. “It’s in state law, we follow the law.”

“A great start to a great day in New Hampshire,” commented Nikki Haley. Her victory in this tiny electoral sample does not necessarily mean that she will prevail over Donald Trump. But it serves as a reminder that an often silent portion of the Republican electorate is ready to support a candidacy other than that of the former president.

“A great start to a great day in New Hampshire,” commented Nikki Haley. Her victory in this tiny electoral sample does not necessarily mean that she will prevail over Donald Trump. But it serves as a reminder that an often silent portion of the Republican electorate is ready to support a candidacy other than that of the former president.