On November 5, 2024, Americans will head to the polls to choose between Democrat Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump in an election that has captured international attention and polarized voters in the United States.
The electoral contest promises to be one of the most competitive and decisive in the country's history. The outcome will not only shape the future of the United States but will also have global repercussions.
In Dixville Notch, New Hampshire, the first place to vote in the United States since 1960, the election day began with a surprising tie between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. Each candidate received three votes out of the six cast at midnight.
This small town, known for symbolically kicking off the elections, thus reflected the high competitiveness of this contest. Its outcome is not decisive, but the tradition of this location in the northeast of the country often provides a glimpse into the trends that could be observed nationally.
The electoral ritual and the importance of early voting in the United States
As in every election cycle, millions of Americans have exercised their right to vote early or by mail. As of this Tuesday, more than 78 million votes have been received in 47 states and the District of Columbia.
The division of opinions and the intensity of the campaign have encouraged many voters to participate actively. However, it is expected that the vote counting will be prolonged and that the winner will not be determined immediately after the polls close.
Tradition dictates that U.S. elections are held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday of November, and the electoral cycle includes several milestones leading up to the inauguration of the new president on January 20, 2025.
After the elections, the Electoral College will convene in December to cast the official votes, while Congress will certify the final result on January 6, 2025.
This lengthy and detailed cycle reflects the complexity of the American electoral system, designed to balance power between the popular vote and the states in the Electoral College.
Historic and Polarized Contest between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump
The 2024 election has been exceptional from the very beginning. Following Joe Biden's withdrawal due to his poor performance in a June debate, Harris took over the Democratic nomination and faced Trump in a single debate in September.
During that exchange, Harris showcased a moderated and focused demeanor, in contrast to Trump's aggressive and controversial style. A CNN poll indicated that 63% of viewers believed the Democrat emerged victorious, while the magnate garnered support from only 37% of the audience.
The outcome of the debate was a significant boost for Harris, whose campaign has received moderate but steady support in the polls.
The latest Des Moines Register-Mediacom poll, conducted between October 28 and 31, shows Harris with 47% support compared to Trump's 44%.
However, the margin of error of 3.4 percentage points and Trump's historical ability to exceed predictions in key states contribute to an atmosphere of uncertainty.
Expectations and Possible Surprises
Election Day in the United States arrives with high uncertainty, the country divided and a fierce competition between both candidates.
Harris advocates for a moderate approach, aiming to solidify a change in the White House while continuing Biden's legacy. Trump, on the other hand, enjoys the support of a Republican base that sees him as a strong and defiant leader, ready to reclaim his seat in the Oval Office.
The 2024 elections represent not only the possibility of shaping the political direction of the U.S., but also a reflection of the tensions and divisions affecting the country.
The world watches with anticipation as Americans decide who their next leader will be, and any outcome has the potential to surprise in this tight race.
What do you think?
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