As the clock strikes 10 p.m. ET, the polls have closed in the key battleground states of Nevada, Montana, and Utah. These states hold significant electoral votes that could sway the outcome of the presidential election.
Electoral Votes at Stake:
- Montana: 4
- Nevada: 6
- Utah: 6
In order to secure the presidency, the candidates must reach a minimum of 270 electoral votes.
Political Landscape in Nevada:
Nevada, historically leaning towards the Democratic party, has shown signs of shifting towards the right in recent years. Despite President Joe Biden winning the national popular vote in 2020, Nevada's political margin remained relatively unchanged compared to previous elections.
The state of Nevada, heavily reliant on tourism, faced severe economic challenges during the Covid-19 pandemic. The service industry workers in Nevada continue to grapple with high living costs, making economic policies a crucial issue in this election.
One significant point of agreement between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump is the proposal to eliminate taxes on tips, a policy that holds particular importance in Nevada.
Latinos constitute a vital voting bloc in Nevada, comprising 17% of the electorate in 2020. President Biden secured 61% of the Latino vote, a percentage similar to that of Hillary Clinton in the previous election. In 2012, former President Barack Obama's strong performance in Nevada was largely attributed to his overwhelming support from Latino voters.
As the results from Nevada, Montana, and Utah start to trickle in, the nation eagerly awaits the outcome of these pivotal battleground states that could determine the next occupant of the White House.
