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The U.S Presidential election 2024 has been one of the most closely watched and contested races in modern American history, with Republican candidate Donald Trump on the verge of a dramatic political comeback. With just a few battleground states left to decide, Trump has inched ever closer to securing the 270 electoral votes necessary to win the presidency, while his opponent, Democratic nominee Kamala Harris, continues to fight in key states.
US Election 2024: Date & Time
- Election Day: Tuesday, November 5, 2024
- Polling Hours: Voting will begin at 7:00 am to 9:00 am local time, depending on the state. For voters in India, this will translate to 4:30 pm to 9:30 pm IST (Indian Standard Time).
- Polls Close: Polling stations will close between 6:00 pm and midnight Eastern Time. Results will begin trickling in soon after, with the first major updates expected from 4:30 am IST on November 6.
- Exit Polls: Exit polls, which help gauge voter sentiment, will be released at 5:00 pm EST, or 2:30 am IST on November 6.
American Election Results: Who’s Running?
In the 2024 U.S. presidential election, two major candidates are vying for the presidency:
Donald Trump (Republican)
- Former President (2017–2021) running for a third term.
- Focuses on economic growth, job creation, and strong borders.
- Promises to bring back America First policies, focusing on tax cuts, deregulation, and reducing illegal immigration.
- Known for his tough stance on national security and law enforcement.
Kamala Harris (Democratic)
- Vice President under Joe Biden, seeking to continue his policies.
- Focuses on healthcare, climate change, and social justice.
- Advocates for progressive reforms like expanding healthcare access and combating racial inequality.
- Pushing for clean energy policies and economic equity.
These two candidates offer very different visions for America’s future, with Trump emphasizing conservative values and Harris pushing for more progressive changes. Both are focusing on key battleground states like Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Arizona to win the election.
Trump’s Path to Victory
As of Wednesday, November 6, 2024, Donald Trump has secured 266 electoral votes, just four votes shy of the 270 needed to clinch victory. His strong showing in key battleground states such as Georgia, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania, alongside his victories in Florida, Ohio, Texas, and others, has put him in a commanding position. With these states in his column, Trump is on the verge of a significant political comeback, having already served as the 45th President from 2017 to 2021.
In his speech to supporters at a rally in West Palm Beach, Florida, Trump celebrated what he described as a “magnificent victory,” thanking the American people for “the extraordinary honor” of being elected their 47th president. “This will truly be the golden age of America,” Trump said, promising to restore the country’s strength and economic prosperity. He emphasized his commitment to the American people, pledging to fight for a safer and stronger nation.
Trump’s political journey has been marked by a series of successes in key swing states, including securing Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Georgia. His performance in these states has largely reflected his strong support base, particularly in regions where his populist rhetoric and America-first agenda have resonated deeply. The Republican candidate’s platform of economic revitalization, stricter immigration policies, and national security reform has found a receptive audience in these swing states.
Harris’ Path and the Ongoing Battle
On the other side, Kamala Harris has secured 205 electoral votes, with several key states still up for grabs. The vice president’s strategy has focused on building unity, securing fundamental rights, and emphasizing the importance of social justice, with a particular focus on issues like women’s rights and healthcare. Despite a strong performance in states like California, Illinois, and New York, Harris has struggled to break through in some of the pivotal battleground states that could decide the outcome of the election.
While Harris has yet to speak publicly on the night of November 6, her campaign remains hopeful, as significant votes are still being counted in states like Nevada, Arizona, and Wisconsin. Campaign representatives have indicated that they are committed to ensuring that every vote is counted, particularly absentee ballots, which can take several days to process in some states. This reflects the contentious nature of the race, with both campaigns pushing hard to sway undecided voters in the remaining battlegrounds.
How U.S. Presidential Elections Are Won: The Electoral Vote System
o win the presidency, a candidate needs at least 270 out of 538 electoral votes. Each state’s electoral votes are determined by its population size, with large states like California having 55 votes, and smaller ones like Wyoming having just 3.
In 2020, the election was highly competitive in several swing states, and the 2024 race is expected to be just as close. Polls show a tight contest between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, with only a few percentage points separating them in key battleground states.
The Role of Early Voting in American Election Results
Early voting has become a significant feature of recent elections. Many voters have already cast their ballots in advance, either through mail-in voting or by voting early at polling stations. In 2024, around 65% of the total votes in North Carolina were cast early during the 2020 election. These votes are often counted first, helping to provide an early indication of the trends in key states.
The Importance of Swing States
In any U.S. election, swing states play a critical role in deciding the outcome. These are states where both candidates have strong support, but neither has a clear majority. For the 2024 election, the key swing states to watch include:
- Pennsylvania
- Michigan
- Wisconsin
- Georgia
- Arizona
- Nevada
- North Carolina
Together, these states have 95 electoral votes, which could be enough to determine the winner of the election. Both candidates are focusing their efforts on these battleground states, hoping to secure the 270 electoral votes needed to win the presidency.
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The Role of Key Battleground States
The election’s outcome hinges on a few critical battleground states, including Arizona, Nevada, Wisconsin, and Michigan. These states have historically been seen as bellwethers in determining the next president. As of now, Trump’s lead in Pennsylvania and Georgia gives him an edge, but Harris remains competitive in Arizona and Nevada, where early voting and absentee ballots could play a decisive role.
One of the most contentious battles is unfolding in Wisconsin, a state where both candidates have poured significant resources. With 10 electoral votes at stake, Wisconsin’s outcome could determine who ultimately secures the White House. Harris, who has campaigned hard in the state, is expected to continue to press for every vote, as she aims to turn the tide in her favor.
When Will the US Election Results 2024 Be Known?
Votes were counted starting early on November 6, but final results took several days to be confirmed due to the time needed to count absentee and mail-in ballots submitted before Election Day.
In 2020, it had taken several days for all the votes to be counted, and the race wasn’t called in some states until weeks after Election Day. While most results came in quickly, it was possible that some states were unable to declare a winner until all ballots were verified.
Previous US Presidential Election Results 2024 Been Announced?
In the 2020 election, Joe Biden was not declared the winner until four days after Election Day, as the results in Pennsylvania were still being counted.
In contrast, the 2016 election results were announced just a few hours after polls closed, with Donald Trump winning around 3:00 AM EST. Similarly, in 2012, Barack Obama’s victory was confirmed before midnight.
However, the 2000 election took five weeks to settle. After a recount in Florida, the U.S. Supreme Court stepped in to declare George W. Bush the winner.
How to Follow the US Presidential Election 2024
The U.S. presidential election will be covered extensively by news networks around the world. You can stay updated on the results through:
- Official sources, including the U.S. Election Assistance Commission and state election offices
- Major news papers, channels, websites
- Social media platforms like Twitter, Intagram Facebook
- Election Tracking Sites
As the final votes are counted, the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election has become a historic and dramatic chapter in American politics. With Donald Trump on the brink of returning to the White House, the race remains a tight and unpredictable contest, with every swing state still in play. Whether or not Harris can overcome Trump’s stronghold in the key battlegrounds remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the results will have profound implications for the future of the United States and its role on the global stage.
