The 2024 United States Presidential Elections: A Pivotal Moment in American Democracy.
As the United States approaches one of its most consequential elections in recent history, it stands at a crossroads.
On Tuesday, November 5, 2024, millions of Americans will cast their ballots to determine the course of their country for the next four years and beyond.
All you need to know about United States general elections
This election is not just about choosing the next president; it’s about shaping the future of American democracy, economy, and global influence.
The Candidates
The 2024 presidential race features two main contenders with starkly different visions for America’s future:
Kamala Harris (Democratic Party): At 60 years old, Vice President Harris has secured the Democratic nomination following President Joe Biden’s decision not to seek re-election. As a former senator, California attorney general, and San Francisco prosecutor, Harris aims to make history as the first woman and the first woman of color to be elected president of the United States.
Donald Trump (Republican Party): At 78, the former president is making his third consecutive bid for the White House. Trump, a businessman and reality television personality turned politician, continues to be a polarizing figure in American politics. His campaign has been marked by controversy, including his ongoing claims of election fraud in the 2020 election and his recent legal troubles.
While Harris and Trump dominate the headlines, it’s important to note that other candidates are also in the race:
- Chase Oliver (Libertarian Party): A lesser-known candidate championing minimal government and individual liberties.
- Jill Stein (Green Party): A physician running on a platform critical of both major parties.
- Cornel West (Independent): The 71-year-old academic and activist is appealing to progressive voters.
The Electoral Process
The U.S. presidential election is not decided by a simple popular vote. Instead, it uses the Electoral College system, where each state is allocated a number of electors based on its population.
To win the presidency, a candidate must secure at least 270 out of the 538 total electoral votes.This system means that the election often comes down to a handful of “swing states” or “battleground states” where the race is particularly close. In 2024, these crucial states include:
- Arizona
- Georgia
- Michigan
- Nevada
- North Carolina
- Pennsylvania
- Wisconsin
The outcomes in these states will likely determine the next president of the United States.
Election Day and Voting
While November 5, 2024, is officially Election Day, millions of Americans will have already cast their ballots through early voting and mail-in options. On Election Day, polling stations across the country will be open for in-person voting, with hours varying by state and locality.The first polls will close at 6:00 PM EST (10:00 PM GMT) on Tuesday, with the final polls closing at 1:00 AM EST (5:00 AM GMT) on Wednesday. Here’s a brief timeline of key poll closings to watch:
- 7:00 PM EST: Georgia and several other states close their polls
- 7:30 PM EST: North Carolina closes its polls
- 8:00 PM EST: Pennsylvania and 15 other states conclude voting
- 9:00 PM EST: Arizona, Michigan, and Wisconsin finish voting
- 10:00 PM EST: Nevada wraps up its voting process3
The Road to Results
Unlike in some countries where results are known almost immediately, the U.S. election process can take time. In 2020, for instance, it wasn’t until the Saturday following Election Day that major news networks felt confident enough to call the race for Joe Biden.The timeline for 2024 results will depend on several factors:
- Closeness of the race: If margins are tight in key states, it may take longer to determine a winner.
- Vote counting procedures: Some states have made changes to their voting and counting processes since 2020, which could affect the speed of results.
- Mail-in and early voting: While there will be fewer mail-in ballots than in 2020 (due to the COVID-19 pandemic), these votes often take longer to count and could delay results in close races.
- Potential recounts or legal challenges: In very close contests, we might see demands for recounts or legal challenges that could further delay the final outcome.
The Stakes
This election is about more than just who occupies the White House. All 435 seats in the House of Representatives are up for grabs, as are 34 of the 100 Senate seats. These races will determine the composition of the 119th Congress and significantly impact the next president’s ability to implement their agenda.
Moreover, 13 state and territorial governorships and numerous local and state positions are also on the ballot, further emphasizing the comprehensive nature of this election cycle
Looking Ahead
As we approach November 5, 2024, the race remains incredibly tight. National polls show Harris and Trump in a virtual dead heat, with each garnering about 48% support. However, as we learned in previous elections, national polls don’t tell the whole story. The outcome will likely be decided in the battleground states, where margins are equally narrow.
The 2024 election promises to be a defining moment for the United States. It will test the resilience of American democratic institutions, the accuracy of polling methods, and the ability of the nation to come together after what is sure to be a hard-fought and divisive campaign.
As Election Day approaches, it’s crucial for all eligible voters to make their voices heard. Whether through early voting, mail-in ballots, or in-person voting on November 5, participation in this democratic process is more important than ever.The eyes of the world will be on America as it makes this momentous decision.
The outcome will not only shape the future of the United States but will have far-reaching implications for global politics, economics, and international relations. As we count down to November 5, 2024, one thing is certain: history is in the making.
