On Election Day, Americans voted between Democrat Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump in a fiercely contested race. Key swing states will likely determine the outcome, with Harris showing slight national support over Trump. Voter concerns include abortion rights and political influence in education. The election process involves electors rather than direct voting, with significant participation in mail-in and early voting. Additionally, congressional seats and pressing issues like inflation and immigration are also on the ballot.
Election Day: A Pivotal Decision for America
On Tuesday, Americans took to the polls to decide between Democrat Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump, concluding a highly charged presidential campaign characterized by starkly contrasting visions for the future. This election has been marked by uncertainty and intense rivalry.
The race is exceptionally close, as demonstrated by recent polls. Kamala Harris, the 60-year-old Democratic vice president who entered the race this summer following Joe Biden’s withdrawal, faces off against 78-year-old Donald Trump, the former Republican president grappling with numerous legal challenges and a strong desire for retribution after claiming his 2020 election loss was unfair.
Candidates and Swing States: Key Factors in the Election
In addition to the two main candidates, three other individuals are vying for attention: Chase Oliver, 39, representing the Libertarian Party; Jill Stein, 74, from the Green Party; and independent candidate Cornel West, a 71-year-old philosopher.
The outcome of this election is likely to be determined by seven critical swing states: Arizona, North Carolina, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. In Raleigh, North Carolina, 27-year-old Taylor Grabow expressed her choice for Kamala Harris, citing the candidate’s stance on abortion rights as a significant factor in her decision. “I woke up in a good mood, I’m very excited,” she shared, reflecting the anticipation felt across the nation.
Conversely, in Asheville, North Carolina, 38-year-old mother Ginny Buddenberg opted for Trump, voicing concerns over what she perceives as excessive political influence in education. “They should just teach them to read,” she stated, highlighting the diverse perspectives influencing voter decisions.
It’s essential to note that the approximately 244 million American voters do not directly elect their president. Instead, they choose 538 electors who will cast their votes on December 17. A candidate must secure at least 270 electoral votes to claim victory.
With over 80 million voters participating via mail-in ballots and early voting, the counting process will be intricate and state-specific. Any delays or disputes in results are likely to arise before the announcement of Joe Biden’s successor.
As of a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll, Kamala Harris holds a narrow national lead with 44% of voter support compared to Trump’s 43%. The campaign has experienced moments of violence and heated rhetoric, including an assassination attempt on Trump during a rally in July.
The two candidates have exchanged harsh words, with Trump using derogatory terms against Harris, who has labeled him a ‘fascist’ and a ‘danger’ to democracy. Their only televised debate on September 10 saw Harris challenging Trump aggressively, yet it failed to alter voter sentiments significantly.
Additionally, Americans are voting for 468 congressional positions, including all 435 House members and 34 senators, as well as various local offices and referendums. The economy, plagued by inflation, and immigration regulation remain pressing issues for voters, with many seeing Trump as the more capable candidate to address these concerns.