As Election Day approaches, the 2024 presidential election between Democrat Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump remains a true toss-up in a deeply divided nation. The outcome hinges on seven battleground states: Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.
If Harris wins, she would make history as the first female president, as well as the first Black woman and person of South Asian descent to hold the office. On the other hand, a Trump victory would mark the first time a person convicted of a felony has been elected to the U.S. presidency.
Given the varying rules and practices for counting ballots, the timing of the election results is uncertain. In 2020, it took four days for the Associated Press to declare President Joe Biden the winner. This year, North Carolina and Georgia are key states to watch for early clues on how the election might unfold.
Both candidates have different campaign schedules for Election Day. Trump plans to hold a late-night rally in Michigan before heading to Florida, where he will vote in person and host a watch party. Harris will attend an Election Night party at Howard University in Washington.
With over 77 million early voters, the turnout on Election Day remains uncertain. Trump's encouragement of early voting for his supporters contrasts with Democrats, who are expected to show up in person this time around. The balance of voter turnout will be crucial in determining the early returns.
Concerns about potential unrest loom as Trump continues to question the election's integrity. The Republican National Committee will deploy poll monitors to search for fraud, raising fears of voter harassment. Law enforcement agencies are preparing for possible Election Day unrest, given the heightened tensions.
Despite the uncertainties and challenges, government and industry officials have emphasized the importance of ensuring a secure election process. As the nation awaits the final outcome, all eyes are on the battleground states that will ultimately decide the next President of the United States.
