The non-Americans’ guide to America’s big 2024 election day – Firstpost

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Election Day – there’s truly nothing like it. Whether it’s in India, the United States, or any other democracy worldwide, the energy is palpable. The atmosphere is thick with nervousness, hope and suspense. It’s the purest and simplest expression of freedom and democracy in action. Today, this grand celebration of choice is unfolding across America.

Voters turn out in force

Polls have opened nationwide and Americans are eagerly lining up to cast their votes. This election has seen a staggering 81 million people participate in early voting, casting their ballots before Election Day through postal ballots. It’s expected that an equal number of voters will show up in person, setting the stage for potentially historic turnout numbers.

In the 2020 election, voter turnout reached a record 66 per cent – the highest since 1900. This time, there’s excitement to see if Americans will reach or even surpass that threshold.

More than a presidential race

While the media spotlight shines on the presidential contest between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, that’s not the only race on the ballot. Voters are also deciding the fate of 34 seats in the US Senate and over 400 seats in the House of Representatives. This means Americans aren’t just electing their next president – they’re shaping the entire legislative landscape of the country.

The Electoral College explained

One unique feature of the US election is the Electoral College, where people don’t vote directly for the president. Instead, they vote for state electors, who then collectively elect the president. Each state has a set number of electoral votes – for example, Florida has 30, Michigan has 15 and Pennsylvania has 19 – totalling 538 across the country. The candidate who reaches 270 electoral votes wins the presidency. This is why swing states, which could go to either major party, are so heavily contested.

Party strongholds and swing states

Many states have predictable loyalties. California, a “blue state,” consistently supports Democratic candidates, while Texas, a “red state,” is known for its strong Republican support. But the true battlegrounds are the swing states, whose outcomes are less certain and can shift from election to election. This year, seven swing states are expected to play a crucial role in deciding the winner.

Logistics across time zones

With the US spread across six time zones, voting logistics are no small feat. Each state has its own voting traditions and a town in New Hampshire even started its Election Day voting at midnight, with all six registered voters participating before dawn. In this small town, three voted for Harris and three for Trump -– a microcosm of the national competition.

Heightened security and precautions

Amid the charged political climate, many states are taking extra security measures to ensure peaceful voting. Nineteen states have activated the National Guard, Nevada has fenced off counting centres and Arizona has drones and snipers on alert. The presence of snipers at polling sites reflects the heightened tensions this year and the lengths being taken to maintain order. As Americans navigate political ads, heightened security and stark political divisions, many just want the process to conclude peacefully.

Waiting for results

Normally, results are declared within hours of polls closing. However, time varies by state. For instance, polls close at 7 pm in Georgia, 8 pm in Pennsylvania and as late as 11 pm in California and Oregon.

The wait for swing state results

In some states, results could come swiftly. Georgia officials expect to count 75 per cent of ballots within the first two hours after polls close. But in others, such as Pennsylvania, the counting process could take up to 24 hours or more. If the vote margin is less than 0.5 per cent, an automatic recount is triggered. States like Michigan, Wisconsin and Arizona have already started counting early mail-in ballots, but final results could take until the next day. Close races may lead to legal challenges, further delaying results.

How the media calls the race

Interestingly, unlike in some countries, the US doesn’t have a central election commission that declares the winner. In America, media outlets like the Associated Press (AP) are considered authoritative voices. The AP has been calling elections since 1848 and will be closely watched for its projections. As states tally up votes, media analysts study the incoming data, not only looking at the raw numbers but also considering demographics, ballot types, historical trends and remaining uncounted votes.

Candidate strategies on the eve of election

On the campaign trail, both Harris and Trump delivered their final messages with distinctive styles. Harris held her last rally in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, surrounded by celebrity supporters like Oprah Winfrey, Lady Gaga and Katy Perry. Her message centred on unity, hope and the ongoing fight for freedom. In a passionate plea to her supporters, Harris remarked, “Generations of Americans before us, led the fight for freedom and now the baton is in our hands. And to everyone who continues to pour so much of yourselves into this campaign, as an extension of your love for our country, I thank you for your time, your effort and the heart you are putting into this.”

In contrast, Trump’s final rally in Michigan emphasised policies, particularly immigration and crime. He spoke about launching the “largest deportation program of criminals in American history,” declaring, “We’re going to get them out. We have to.” He also took a hard line, saying, “I’m hereby calling for the death penalty for any migrant that kills an American citizen or a law enforcement officer.”

True to form, Trump’s rally included his trademark humour and historical comparisons. Speaking to the crowd, he joked, “And I said to them, ‘Does that mean I’m better than Abraham Lincoln and George [Washington]?’ ‘Yes, sir, you’re better than both of them’.” He also likened himself to Winston Churchill, saying, “You know when Winston Churchill, who’s a great speaker, he was actually a stutterer, a tremendous stutterer and he became one of the greatest orators. But when Winston Churchill made a mistake, he didn’t go, ‘Er, excuse me’ and go back.” For Trump, this election is likely his last presidential campaign and he left with a parting remark about the future Republican nominee, predicting that they “would struggle to fill a ballroom, let alone a stadium.”

Looking ahead

Whether results are clear tonight or in days to come, this Election Day marks another chapter in America’s democratic legacy. As history unfolds, all eyes are on the people’s voice – a testament to democracy in action.

Get all the latest updates of US Elections 2024

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