These are the most populous states, so you are correct. The better metric would be to figure out the "hacker density" of each state.

If you divide the responses per state over population, DC has a strong lead in "Hacker News User Density". VT, MA, and WA are pretty close to each other, followed by CA, DE, and CO. It would be interesting to compare these results to % urban/rural populations.

Major population centers are always going to get the most votes. I suspect in most cases people already live where they want to or at least are content/familiar with where they are. That generates a vote for home..

Washington creeping up on that third place spot. Not surprising considering all the northwestern tech companies. Wouldn't be surprised if wa ranked second or third for tech people/total population.