Sanders sneaks ahead as first votes cast in New Hampshire

AFP

09 February, 2016, 12:49

Update: 09 February, 2016, 12:49

Democratic presidential hopeful, Sen. Bernie Sanders (D-VT) speaks at a campaign rally and concert at the University of New Hampshire's Whittemore Center Arena on 8 February, 2016 in Durham, New Hampshire. Photo: AFP

Manchester, US: Three small communities in New Hampshire kicked off voting for Tuesday’s crucial first presidential primary in the 2016 US election cycle, in a symbolic piece of traditional political theater.

Residents in Dixville Notch, near the border with Canada, voted as the clock struck midnight and the results were in just minutes later, with Bernie Sanders taking four Democratic votes, while former secretary of state Hillary Clinton received none.

On the Republican side, John Kasich won three votes to two for Donald Trump.

‘Early momentum as John Kasich wins GOP vote in Dixville Notch! Let’s keep it going, New Hampshire,’ said a Kasich tweet.

Also going to the polls early were Hart’s Location and Millsfield.

The main polls in New Hampshire open at about local time 6:00am (1100 GMT).