The much-awaited election day kicked off in the United States on Tuesday with the first ballots cast in Dixville Notch and Millsfield, towns in the northeastern state of New Hampshire.
Former Vice President Joe Biden took all five of the votes cast for president in Dixville Notch. Trump won Millsfield 16-5 over Biden, reported CNN.
The midnight vote began today with voters choosing their preferred candidates for US president and New Hampshire governor, as well as federal and state legislative seats, Xinhua reported.
By tradition, all eligible voters gather in the storied "Ballot Room" at The Balsams resort in Dixville Notch to cast their secret ballots once polls open at midnight. Once every ballot is cast, votes are tallied and results announced -- hours before anywhere else, making it a favored spot for reporters and observers eager for any hints of what is to come on Election Day, CNN reported.
The 2020 US elections, including presidential and congressional races, came amid a surging COVID-19 pandemic in the country.
Americans will decide the fate of incumbent President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden through their votings.
To win the presidency, either Trump or Biden must acquire over 50% of the electoral college vote, which is 538 in total.
Therefore, each candidate must get a minimum of 270 electoral votes to clinch the presidency.
Joe Biden is currently leading Donald Trump in the national polls as the US approaches its 2020 presidential election. If elected, he would be the oldest president in US history at his inauguration, at age 78. Trump, who is currently 74, would also be the oldest president ever if he wins a second term.
But leading in polls does not guarantee victory. Hillary Clinton also had a clear lead over Trump in the polls for almost the entire 2016 campaign. She ended up losing in the electoral college.
(With inputs from agencies)
