In the latest political landscape of the United States, former President Donald Trump is gaining significant traction in the Republican race for the 2024 presidential election.
Recent polling data indicates that Trump has notably closed the gap with his main competitor, Vice President Kamala Harris. According to a McKinsey poll, Trump’s chances of victory have increased by 3%, underscoring his growing appeal among Republican voters. This upward trend positions him as a formidable candidate, especially as he solidifies his base across various demographics and regions.
Trump’s resurgence is particularly evident in key swing states, which are crucial for determining election outcomes. His polling numbers in these areas have surged by an impressive 24%, showcasing his ability to attract undecided voters who may have previously leaned away from him. This significant increase reflects a strategic re-establishment of his influence in regions that are vital for securing electoral votes. As the campaign progresses, Trump’s momentum appears to be shifting the dynamics of the race, making him a strong contender for the presidency once more.
On the Democratic side, the party is closely monitoring these developments as Harris prepares to lead their campaign. With Trump regaining strength, the upcoming election is shaping up to be intensely competitive. Polls indicate that both candidates are nearly tied in several battleground states, emphasizing the importance of swing voters in this election cycle. The Democratic camp faces challenges as they work to maintain support among key demographics while addressing pressing issues such as economic concerns and social policies.
As early voting begins and the election date approaches, both Trump and Harris are intensifying their efforts to sway undecided voters. Trump’s campaign has employed various strategies to connect with constituents, while Harris is focusing on engagement through moderated discussions and community outreach. The next few weeks will be critical as both candidates vie for dominance in an increasingly polarized political environment, setting the stage for a potentially historic election on November 5, 2024.
The race to the White House has entered its final lap with the November 5 US Presidential elections just days away. Vice President Kamala Harris and former US President Donald Trump are locked in a fierce and polarising contest that may well witness a photo finish when the votes are counted on November 5. But when exactly will a true picture emerge? The short answer is: it may take a few days. Traditionally, the
winner of the US presidential election is announced by media channels either on the Election Night (which is Nov 5 this year), or the next day, based on the available data. Media outlets like AP have their own surveys to determine the winner of the election. These outlets “call” the winners in states after the polling window closes. If a candidate bags 270 or more votes based on the available results, then he or she will be called as the winner of the election. This, even as the official results may still be awaited.
In 2020, some states experienced a “red mirage,” in which Trump was leading on election night, before a “blue shift” saw Democrat Joe Biden overtake him, a phenomenon Trump used to amplify his false claims that the election was stolen.
The actual result also depends on how tight the race is. If the election is a sweep, then we may know the result on the very same night as most outlets will declare a winner. In 2024, the chances of knowing the winner early appear bleak since the election is expected to be extremely close.
When does voting take place?
In US, voting takes place rather differently than India. In India, the Lok Sabha election happens during the same time in every state, save a couple of regions where security could be an issue. In America, voting takes place at different times in different states since there are six time zones in the country. Moreover, almost every state allows early in-person voting or voting by mail several weeks in advance.
In US elections, counting begins as soon as polls close on Election Day, with state and local officials collecting and verifying votes.
US follows an electoral college system, which means that voters do not directly elect the President but rather cast their vote for a group of electors in each state who formally vote for the president and vice president, based on the state’s popular vote.
A candidate needs 270 out of 538 electoral votes to win the presidency. Each state is assigned a specific number of electoral college votes, which is proportional to its population. Nebraska and Maine are the only two states that do not follow this system.
Democratic nominee Kamala Harris and her Republican counterpart Donald Trump have sparred over multiple issues concerning the US electorate over the last few months. And while the two major candidates dominated airtime, conducted regular rallies and interacted with voters, there are a few more contenders on the ballot for the 2024 US Presidential polls.
Cornel West (Age: 71 | Independent)
Cornel West is among the notable independent figures. He’s an academic and activist, who launched his campaign in June 2023. Initially aiming for the Green Party nomination, West eventually opted to run as an independent, supported by his running mate, Melina Abdullah. West’s campaign has resonated with disillusioned voters, particularly those critical of President Joe Biden’s policies on Israel’s military actions in Gaza. He advocates for significant reforms, including a permanent ceasefire in the region, a halt to military aid to Ukraine, and the establishment of universal healthcare.
Jill Stein (Age: 74 | Green Party)
Another candidate is Jill Stein, representing the Green Party. Previously a campaign manager for Cornel West, she transitioned to her own campaign once West shifted to an independent run. Stein’s platform is heavily focused on environmental issues, calling for more aggressive climate policies than the mainstream Democrats propose. Her advocacy includes eliminating US support for Israel, providing free public education, and cancelling medical debts. Stein has made headlines for her activism, including her recent arrest during protests demanding a ceasefire in Gaza.
Chase Oliver (Age: 39 | Libertarian Party)
Chase Oliver, the Libertarian nominee, adds to the candidate pool. A former activist and restaurant worker, Oliver secured his party’s nomination after a competitive convention. He has been critical of both mainstream candidates, seeking to simplify immigration processes and withdraw the US from foreign conflicts. His campaign champions drug decriminalisation and the elimination of the Federal Reserve.
Claudia De la Cruz (Age: 42 | PSL)
Claudia De la Cruz is running for the 2024 US presidency as a candidate for the Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL). Born in the South Bronx to Dominican immigrant parents, she works as a community organiser, educator and theologian, advocating for transformative change through socialism. Her key policies include reparations for Black Americans and single-payer healthcare for all. She also supports cutting the US military budget by 90 per cent and seizing the 100 largest corporations to promote economic democracy. She also recognises Native American sovereignty. De la Cruz has ballot access in 19 states and is a registered write-in candidate in 13 states.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (Age: 70 | Independent)
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. initially made waves in the Democratic primary but later switched to an independent candidacy. Although he suspended his campaign in August 2024 and endorsed Trump, Kennedy continues to attract attention. His campaign focused on issues like government spending and foreign intervention. On Tuesday, the US Supreme Court rejected a former independent candidate’s plea seeking the removal of his name from the ballot in Wisconsin and Michigan for the November 5 election.
