The first votes of the 2026 midterm elections were cast in Dixville Notch, New Hampshire, shortly after midnight Tuesday, with Republican John Sununu receiving five votes to Democrat Chris Pappas’ two in the state’s U.S. Senate race.

The tiny community in northern New Hampshire continued its longstanding tradition of opening its polling place at midnight and announcing results before most Americans head to the polls. With only seven ballots cast in the Senate contest, the early result offers a glimpse of the election-day atmosphere rather than a meaningful indication of how the statewide race will turn out.

Sununu, a former U.S. senator and congressman, is seeking to return to the Senate after losing his 2008 reelection campaign to Democrat Jeanne Shaheen. He secured the Republican nomination in September, defeating former Massachusetts Sen. Scott Brown in the primary.

Pappas, a Democratic congressman representing New Hampshire’s 1st Congressional District, is seeking to succeed Shaheen, who is retiring after three terms in the Senate. The race has attracted national attention because its outcome could help determine control of the closely divided chamber.

Sununu has emphasized his experience in Washington and portrayed himself as an independent-minded Republican willing to challenge his own party. Pappas has campaigned on affordability and positioned himself as an opponent of President Donald Trump’s administration.

The seven votes from Dixville Notch mark the ceremonial beginning of Election Day, but voters across New Hampshire will have their say throughout Tuesday. Polls across the state are scheduled to close between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. Eastern, with the statewide results expected to provide a much clearer picture of the Senate contest.