Historic Showdown Unfolds as Polls Open for the 2024 US Election
As the 2024 US election reaches its pivotal Election Day, polls across the country have opened to welcome voters in one of the most consequential elections in modern history. This election will determine not only the next president but also control over Congress, with every seat in the House of Representatives and many in the Senate up for grabs. The stakes are high, with a nation deeply divided over which path to take.
Democratic candidate Kamala Harris and her Republican opponent, Donald Trump, spent the last weeks of their campaigns in a heated sprint, each vying to gain the edge in an incredibly close race. Polls leading up to Election Day indicate a statistical dead heat, leaving no clear favorite in what has become a race to the wire. As ballots are cast today, the outcome will set the tone for the next four years, with history awaiting: voters are set to choose either the first female president in Harris or the first convicted felon in Trump.
Both candidates have presented starkly contrasting visions for America’s future. Harris has framed her campaign as a fresh start, aiming to rebuild trust in US institutions, uplift the middle class, and safeguard women’s rights. However, her support for US policy toward Israel has triggered regular protests, underscoring the complexities of her platform. Trump, on the other hand, has promised a return to a US “golden age,” focusing on deregulation, border control, and military assertiveness. His rhetoric, while divisive, has energized a substantial base, despite the legal challenges he faces from multiple criminal indictments.
In a sign of record turnout, approximately 81 million voters had already cast their ballots by mail or in-person early voting before Election Day, signaling immense engagement and possibly long counting hours to follow. Starting from the midnight opening in Dixville Notch, New Hampshire, polling stations across the six US time zones opened progressively, with the first round of poll closures expected by 6 p.m. ET. However, with the US election system’s decentralized nature, complete results may not be available until days after Election Day, especially in tightly contested states.
Key battleground states, including Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Arizona, will likely play pivotal roles in determining the outcome, with both candidates securing strongholds in traditionally partisan areas. The final tally hinges on the Electoral College system, where each state’s results directly determine its vote allocation in the national count. Both candidates require a minimum of 270 Electoral College votes to claim victory, and early estimates suggest each has a viable pathway through a combination of swing states.
This Election Day marks the end of a campaign season marked by historic moments. Trump, at 78, remains a controversial yet dominant figure, energizing a substantial faction within the Republican Party. Despite his legal battles, his loyal base has rallied around him, interpreting his challenges as evidence of political persecution. Meanwhile, Harris entered the race only three months prior, following President Biden’s unexpected withdrawal. The 81-year-old Biden faced rising concerns about his age and cognitive abilities, culminating in a June debate stumble that led to his exit.
Both candidates have emphasized that this election will define the nation for years to come. Trump has labeled it as “the most important election” in US history, while Harris sees it as “the most consequential of our lifetimes.” With both sides prepared to contest any ambiguous outcome, the nation waits as voters make their way to the polls, knowing that, regardless of the results, this election will leave an indelible mark on America’s political landscape.
