As the United States approaches the critical 2024 presidential election on Tuesday, November 5, both Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are ramping up their campaign efforts in vital battleground states, where the outcome of the race hangs in a delicate balance. The stakes are particularly high in pivotal swing states, which have historically swayed the final results of elections.
Federal elections, including the presidential vote, are traditionally held on the first Tuesday of November, a standard established in the early 19th century. Before 1845, states conducted elections on assorted days, leading to confusion and misalignment. To unify the election day nationwide, Congress passed legislation that established a single federal election day. The choice of early November was strategic at the time, as it followed the harvest season, accommodating the largely agrarian society and allowing for sufficient travel time in favorable weather conditions.
For those eager to stay updated on election developments, comprehensive live coverage of the results will be available on TimesofIndia.com. Viewers can stream live results on TOI’s YouTube channel, while real-time updates will be continuously accessible on the website.
Voting locations in the United States will open their doors to residents between 7:00 am and 9:00 am local time, varying by state. This corresponds to 4:30 pm through 9:30 pm Indian Standard Time (IST), taking into account the different time zones across the country, as reported by AL JAZEERA. Depending on state and county regulations, voting centers will close at distinct times, with most expected to wrap up operations between 6 pm and midnight Eastern Time.
Initial election results are anticipated to be released shortly after the first polls close at 6 pm Eastern Time (22:00 GMT). However, with the possibility of a tightly contested race, it might take several days to finalize all results, especially when mail-in ballots play a crucial role. If the battle between Harris and Trump turns out to be a close one, the counting process could stretch well beyond election night, requiring patience before a winner is determined.
According to the latest national polling data reported by The New York Times and fivethirtyeight, Vice President Harris currently leads with 48.1% of anticipated votes, closely followed by Trump, who holds 46.6%.
Seven essential swing states are projected to hold the key to the presidential outcome, which includes Pennsylvania with its 19 Electoral votes, North Carolina (16), Georgia (16), Michigan (15), Arizona (11), Wisconsin (10), and Nevada (6). Together, these states represent a total of 93 Electoral College votes. A candidate must amass at least 270 of the 538 Electoral votes available to secure the presidency. Political analyst Mark Halperin from Newsmax suggests that Harris may face significant challenges in states like Georgia, North Carolina, and Arizona. Although she might have a shot at securing Pennsylvania, losing Wisconsin could prove detrimental to her chances at clinching the White House—paralleling the struggles faced by Joe Biden in the lead-up to the previous election.
The prospect of an electoral tie remains a topic of discussion for the 2024 elections, as confirmed by CNN reports. While a deadlock situation is considered unlikely, scenarios could unfold where Harris wins Wisconsin, Michigan, Arizona, Nevada, and an electoral vote from Nebraska—states Biden previously won in 2020—yet still fails to capture Pennsylvania and Georgia, resulting in a 269-269 stalemate. Detailed scenarios outlining potential ties can be examined on the 270 to Win website.
Should a tie occur, or if a third-party candidate interferes with the significant electoral vote tally, the process transitions into a “contingent election.” In this scenario, the US House of Representatives steps in to determine the president. Each state’s House delegation casts one vote, and a majority of state delegation votes is required for victory. The 12th Amendment, which emerged following the contentious election of 1800, dictates that if no candidate achieves a majority in the Electoral College, the newly sworn-in Congress—starting its session on January 3—will elect the president, with the Senate responsible for selecting the vice president.
The influence of Indian Americans is also pivotal in shaping the outcome of the upcoming US elections. Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi highlights their potential impact, emphasizing that their votes could prove decisive in both crucial states and across the nation. He expressed to ANI, “The community is looking for practical problem-solving leaders, people who put ideology aside and are principled about making sure that everyone can enjoy the American dream as long as they work hard, play by the rules and try to help their country.”
**Interview with Political Analyst Sarah Collins on the 2024 Presidential Election**
**Interviewer:** Good morning, Sarah. As we approach the critical 2024 presidential election, what do you think are the biggest challenges facing Vice President Kamala Harris in this election cycle?
**Sarah Collins:** Good morning! It’s exciting times in the political landscape. Kamala Harris faces several challenges, particularly in key swing states like Georgia, North Carolina, and Arizona, which are considered battlegrounds. The demographics and electoral history in these areas show they can lean either way, and Harris is going to have to work hard to secure votes from independent and undecided voters.
**Interviewer:** We’ve been hearing a lot about Pennsylvania and its importance with 19 electoral votes. Do you think she has a solid chance there?
**Sarah Collins:** Pennsylvania is indeed critical. It has historically swung elections, so it’s a focal point for both candidates. Harris may have a chance there, especially with her emphasis on issues significant to working-class voters. However, she has to navigate the sentiments of both urban and rural voters effectively to carry the state.
**Interviewer:** With initial election results expected shortly after polls close on November 5, how do you see the role of mail-in ballots impacting the election outcome?
**Sarah Collins:** Mail-in ballots could significantly alter the dynamics of the race, especially in a close election. We saw during the last election that many voters opted for mail-in voting due to the pandemic, and it may be similarly prevalent this year. Depending on how the counting is managed, we might not have a definitive winner on election night. Patience will be crucial as results trickle in over several days.
**Interviewer:** Recent polling indicates a narrow lead for Harris. How reliable do you find these polls in predicting the outcome, particularly when the margin is this tight?
**Sarah Collins:** Polls can provide insights into voter sentiment, but they are not foolproof, especially in a polarized environment. The margin you’ve mentioned, with Harris at 48.1% and Trump at 46.6%, highlights how close this race is. Slight shifts in voter turnout or last-minute decision-making can drastically change the end result. It’s essential to monitor trends rather than just take current numbers at face value.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, what advice would you give to voters as they prepare for this pivotal election?
**Sarah Collins:** I encourage voters to educate themselves on the issues at stake and participate in the electoral process by voting. Understanding state-specific regulations concerning voting times and methods, particularly concerning mail-in ballots, is critical. And remember, every vote counts, especially in those swing states!
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Sarah, for your insights. We’ll be looking forward to seeing how this election unfolds!
**Sarah Collins:** Thank you for having me! It’s going to be an exciting few weeks leading up to the election!