In the United States, polling stations opened on November 5 to elect the next president in a day marked by on-time openings in most states and minor delays in Pennsylvania, where technical issues and absences of local officials caused temporary setbacks. From midnight in New Hampshire to the early hours across the country, millions of Americans began casting their votes in a decisive race.
Polling stations across the United States opened today for a historic election to choose the country’s next president. Voters turned out early across various states, though minor technical issues and delays were reported in Pennsylvania.
Starting at 6 a.m. ET, polling opened in eight states, including Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, New Hampshire, and Virginia. In Indiana and Kentucky, polling stations also began opening at that time, though areas in the Central Time Zone opened an hour later. Most of Maine began voting at 6 a.m. as well, although smaller municipalities with fewer than 500 residents were allowed to start as late as 10 a.m.
In a unique tradition, the small town of Dixville Notch, New Hampshire, cast its votes right at midnight. In this small community, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump tied with three votes each.
By 7 a.m. ET, an additional 20 states had opened their polling locations, including Delaware, Washington D.C., Florida, Georgia, Illinois, and Maryland. In Pennsylvania, most polling sites opened on time; however, two locations in Allegheny County faced temporary delays. According to county spokesperson Abigail Gardner, a judge of elections arrived late at a Whitehall location, though it is now operating normally. In Pittsburgh’s Lincoln Place neighborhood, another judge of elections was absent, requiring the sheriff to retrieve voting records so the location could function.
Additionally, a software issue with vote scanning delayed voting in Cambria County, leading to an extension in polling hours. Officials assured that all votes will be secured and counted, with IT specialists currently addressing the issue.
By 8 a.m. ET, more states, including Arizona, Texas, Iowa, and Wisconsin, joined in opening their polling stations.
