Washington DC: As Election Day nears, candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are ramping up their campaigns in key swing states. Current polls suggest a fiercely competitive race as the nation braces for a decision that could mark a historic first for women in politics or witness an unprecedented political comeback.
The US presidential elections are set for Tuesday, November 5, 2024. Initial results are anticipated shortly after polls close at 6 PM (4:30 AM IST) that day. The elected president will assume office on January 20, 2025, for a four-year term. Voters will also elect Congressional representatives for both the House and Senate.
Among the battleground states, Pennsylvania stands out as a significant player, where every vote carries substantial weight. With 19 electoral votes at stake, it has become a focal point for both campaigns. To secure the essential 270 Electoral College votes for victory, Trump and Harris will focus heavily on Pennsylvania. Polling hours in the state run from 7 AM (5:30 PM IST) to 8 PM (6:30 AM IST).
Political analyst Mark Halperin notes that Harris might encounter difficulties in Arizona, North Carolina, and Georgia. While he believes Harris has a chance to win Pennsylvania, she could still lose the overall race if Wisconsin shifts against her.
In the 2020 elections, Biden narrowly beat Trump in Georgia by a mere 0.2%, marking a significant shift in the state’s political landscape. Despite demographic changes favoring Democrats, Trump is currently leading in polls there. Polling in Georgia opens at 7 AM (5:30 PM IST) and closes at 8 PM (6:30 AM IST).
Arizona’s history shows it has favored Democrats only twice since 1952, transforming into a battleground state due to rapid population changes and demographic shifts. Polls in Arizona are open from 8 AM (6:30 PM IST) to 9 PM (7:30 AM IST).
Wisconsin has historically leaned Democratic but flipped to Trump in 2016. The state’s importance remains evident, with polling from 8 AM (6:30 PM IST) to 9 PM (7:30 AM IST).
Recent polling by The Washington Post and Schar School indicates that 47% of registered voters are likely to support both candidates. While Trump holds a slight edge in some surveys, the margins remain within error ranges. On October 21, FiveThirtyEight noted Harris had a narrow national lead of 1.8 percentage points.
Voter sentiment is divided, especially in Michigan, where many feel disillusioned with both candidates. The state’s voter turnout will be crucial, particularly as Biden’s policies have reportedly alienated a significant number of Democratic voters.
Nevada has historically aligned with the eventual presidential winner, although recent surveys show a dead heat between the candidates. Polls in Nevada are open from 10 AM (8:30 PM IST) to 10 PM (8:30 AM IST).
Trump’s chances hinge on a strong performance in North Carolina, a state he narrowly won in 2020. Polling in North Carolina opens at 6:30 AM (5 PM IST) and closes at 6:30 PM (5 AM IST).
Ultimately, while polling suggests a tight race, history teaches that winning the popular vote does not guarantee an Electoral College victory. Each state’s allocation of the 538 total electors is determined by its population, making the election outcomes all the more unpredictable.
