By Enyichukwu Enemanna
Locals have made provision for security in Dixville Notch, New Hampshire as the 2024 US presidential election commenced on Tuesday morning amidst fears of possible violent attacks.
Residents took adequate measures to fortify election-related sites, including stationing snipers on a rooftop to protect a key vote-counting centres.
The Washington Post reported availability of panic buttons for election workers and surveillance drones buzzing overhead in the tiny town of northeastern US.
Tens of millions of voters across the country had already cast their ballots early, either by voting in person at polling stations or by mail before Tuesday.
Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris and Republican candidate Donald Trump are tied in the town in a 3-3 vote.
According to data from the University of Florida’s Election Lab, as of Monday night, more than 82 million voters had already cast their ballots.
This election is widely regarded as one of the most divisive in American history.
Harris and Trump have repeatedly warned against potentially catastrophic consequences inflicted on the country if the other is elected.
Voters hold vastly different views on key issues such as the economy, immigration, and abortion rights.
According to an annual survey conducted by the American Psychological Association, 77 percent of US adults said the nation’s future was a significant source of stress in their lives.
Additionally, 74 per cent said they were worried that the election results could lead to violence.
“I will hope that whoever wins the presidential election will handle it gracefully, and whoever doesn’t win, likewise, will handle it gracefully,” Annmarie Pintal, one of the six voters registered to vote in Dixville Notch, told Xinhua.
“We need unity. We need to come together on the common ground, and be willing to set aside our differences,’’ said Scott Maxwell, another voter in the small town.
The campaign had been marked by violence, with two separate assassination attempts on Trump, intensifying the already charged atmosphere.
With over 78 million votes cast before Election Day, polls show a tight race across seven battleground states, meaning it could take days—or longer—to confirm the winner.
