Election Day has arrived, and with it, the anticipation surrounding the results of the 2024 U.S. presidential election is palpable. Americans are heading to the polls on November 5 to decide between incumbent Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, each vying for the presidency amid one of the most fiercely contested electoral battles seen in recent history.
The stakes couldn't be higher, as both candidates have campaigned vigorously, aiming to secure at least 270 electoral votes necessary to win. Swing states like Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin are expected to be key battlegrounds, where every vote counts and could sway the election.
Trump and Harris spent their final campaign moments rallying supporters. Trump focused his efforts on Michigan, a state he believes he can capture once again, after winning it during his first run. On the other hand, Harris concluded her lengthy 107-day campaign trail in Pennsylvania, emphasizing the importance of the state to her chances of victory.
The excitement of Election Day is tempered by the reality of potential delays. Traditionally, results are declared within hours of polls closing, but analysts predict this year could see longer waits for results, particularly due to the neck-and-neck nature of the race. The first polls close at 6:00 PM EST, with others closing later, stretching the announcement of results well past the typical timeline.
Recalling past elections provides perspective. For example, during the tumultuous 2020 election, results were not declared until days after the polls closed, primarily due to the influx of mail-in ballots driven by the pandemic. Similarly, the 2000 election—infamous for its Florida recount—lasted over five weeks before George W. Bush was finally declared the winner.
This year, if the race is particularly tight, Americans might have to brace for similar delays. States like Pennsylvania and Wisconsin have laws preventing election officials from counting early ballots until Election Day, which could contribute to slower results for those jurisdictions. Recounts could also be triggered if the margins are razor-thin, with Pennsylvania's law requiring automatic recounts for races decided by less than half a percentage point.
According to various polling sources, from ABC News to 270toWin, the lead has fluctuated dramatically. A recent poll shows Harris with a slight edge over Trump nationally at 48% to 46.8%. Yet, the race could pivot quickly, considering the variability of swing state polls, which can change overnight based on voter turnout and last-minute campaigning. For example, Indiana shows Trump leading Harris by more than 16%, solidifying his support there.
Looking beyond numbers, this election is not just about polling or results; it reflects deeply entrenched divisions within the American populace and the direction of the country. According to historian Allan Lichtman, known for his accurate predictions, Harris is favored to win, making this another election to watch closely.
Around the nation, people have already begun voting early, driven by high turnout rates reflected across various states. Record levels of early voting are being recorded, especially notable in Georgia, where election officials anticipated about 75% of votes would be counted shortly after polls close.
The tight-knit nature of this election brings about serious discussions on potential legal challenges, especially from the Republican side. These challenges focus on voting eligibility and procedures, with over 100 pre-election lawsuits already filed. The outcomes of these lawsuits may impact how smoothly the counting process will proceed. Any disruptions at polling locations could also compound delays.
Vote counting, which can be complex, usually begins with the ballots cast on Election Day. Next, early voting and mail-in ballots are counted, which can complicate timelines, particularly as many states have rules governing the order of operations and verification processes. Election officials are trained to rigorously document and oversee ballot verification to maintain integrity throughout the voting process.
Experts are observing how the electoral college will come to play after the public votes are tallied. The mechanics of the electoral college, wherein the majority of votes cast in each state equates to allocated electoral votes, remain the decisive factor for who sits in the Oval Office. This year, the electoral college process will also take on heightened scrutiny, particularly if Harris or Trump challenges the legitimacy of the results.
Despite the fervor of public sentiment, both candidates face uphill battles. Despite Trump's already considerable grassroots support, the legacy of his previous administration and accusations of chaos could haunt him. Meanwhile, Harris carries the weight of expectations and scrutiny not just as the Vice President but also as the first female candidate hoping to retain her party's hold on the presidency.
The outcome of this election will undoubtedly shape the future of the United States. Discussions about policy differences, economic strategies, social justice, and international relations will take center stage following Election Day as votes are counted and results are certified.
Each day, as the November 5 deadline draws nearer, anticipation turns to anxiety as people across the political spectrum brace for the potential outcomes. The deep-rooted impact of this election on American lifestyle and governance will reverberate through every community across the nation.
Whether it’s Trump’s slogan of “Make America Great Again” or Harris’s calls for unity and progress, the echoes of their campaigns will linger long after the votes have been cast. The true test lies not just within the election itself, but the subsequent acceptance of the results by both candidates and their supporters, signaling the next chapter for America.
