America Decides: 2024 U.S. Presidential Election Brings High Stakes and Historic Turnout
The United States stands at a pivotal moment today, November 5, 2024, as Americans head to the polls to choose their next president. This election pits former President Donald Trump against Vice President Kamala Harris in a highly anticipated race that has captivated the nation. Voters across the country are casting ballots that will help decide the direction of the U.S. for the next four years.
Election Day 2024: A Record-Breaking Turnout Expected
With an estimated 150 million Americans expected to vote, this year’s election could see one of the highest voter turnouts in recent history. The stakes are high, and the nation watches closely as citizens exercise their democratic rights to select the leaders who will guide the country.
The U.S. electoral system operates through the Electoral College. When voters make their selection, they’re actually choosing a slate of electors for their preferred candidate in each state. To win the presidency, a candidate needs at least 270 electoral votes, a majority in the Electoral College. Once the votes are cast and counted, these electors will convene on December 17 to formally vote for the president and vice president.
Key Dates in the 2024 U.S. Election Process
The timeline for confirming the next president extends beyond Election Day. Here’s a breakdown of the key dates:
- Election Day: November 5, 2024 – Americans cast their votes.
- Electoral Vote Casting: December 17, 2024 – Electors meet in their respective state capitals to vote based on the popular vote outcomes in their states.
- Congressional Vote Count: January 6, 2025 – Congress officially counts the electoral votes in the House of Representatives chamber.
- Inauguration Day: January 20, 2025 – The newly elected president will be sworn into office.
How Election Night Unfolds: State-by-State Closures and Battlegrounds
The evening will bring a cascade of poll closures and vote counts across different time zones, with some states more hotly contested than others.
Early Poll Closures: Initial States and Key Battlegrounds
- 7:00 PM ET: Polls close in six states, including Georgia, a critical battleground with 16 electoral votes. Due to extensive early voting and mail-in ballots, as much as 70% of Georgia’s votes could be counted by 8:00 PM.
- 6:00 PM ET: Some parts of Indiana and Kentucky close earlier, while most Florida polls shut down by 7:00 PM. Florida’s Panhandle, however, remains open until 8:00 PM.
Key State Closures at 8:00 PM ET
At 8:00 PM, polls close in 17 states, among them Pennsylvania—a crucial swing state with significant influence over the final results. Trump seeks to reclaim this battleground after a narrow defeat in 2020. Michigan and Texas also close most polls around this time, although a few counties remain open until 9:00 PM.
The 9:00 PM to Midnight Closures: Major States Enter the Mix
By 9:00 PM, polls will be closed in 15 additional states, including battlegrounds like Arizona, Michigan, and Wisconsin. This wave of closures also includes highly populated states like Texas and New York, which could significantly impact projections.
- 10:00 PM ET: Utah, Montana, and Nevada—another crucial battleground—close their polls.
- 11:00 PM ET: The West Coast states, including California, Oregon, and Washington, finish voting. These Democratic-leaning states could add substantially to the vote tally for the Democratic ticket.
Final Poll Closures and Extended Vote Counting
The last polls in the blue state of Hawaii and red state of Alaska close past midnight. Given the close race and the substantial number of mail-in ballots, final results may not be known immediately. In previous elections, close races have taken hours, days, or even weeks to finalize, especially if recounts or legal challenges arise.
What’s at Stake in the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election?
This election not only determines the next president but also shapes the nation’s approach to key issues, including the economy, foreign policy, healthcare, and climate change. Both Trump and Harris offer starkly different visions for America, and their policies could set contrasting courses for the country.
The U.S. presidential election of 2024 is shaping up to be one of the most pivotal and closely watched in recent history. As Americans cast their votes, the world watches, awaiting the outcome that will steer the nation’s path forward
