Latest updates on the US Election Results 2024 presidential election, covering polling timelines, battleground states, voter odds, and key statistics. As Election Day approaches, voters face a pivotal decision between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, with both campaigns intensifying efforts in crucial states.
Final Campaign Hours Before Election Day
With Election Day arriving on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, the US awaits a historic decision: Will Kamala Harris become the first female president, or will Donald Trump achieve an unexpected comeback?
In these closing hours, both candidates are making last-minute appeals, especially in swing states critical to securing 270 Electoral College votes.
The first polls are set to close on Tuesday at 6 pm (4:30 am IST), with results expected soon afterward. The election winner will assume office on January 20, 2025, to serve a four-year term.
Along with selecting a president, voters will elect Congressional representatives for both the House of Representatives and the Senate.
Given that recent polls show a tight race, the outcome hinges on voter turnout in several key battleground states.
Key Battleground States to Watch
Certain states, such as Pennsylvania, Georgia, Arizona, Wisconsin, Michigan, Nevada, and North Carolina, hold significant sway in determining the election outcome. Here’s a breakdown of each state’s role:
- Pennsylvania (19 electoral votes): Known for its decisive role in past elections, Pennsylvania could shift the entire political landscape. Both campaigns have targeted the state heavily, as every vote counts in this tightly contested area. Polls open at 7 am (5:35 pm IST) and close at 8 pm (6:30 am IST).
- Georgia (16 electoral votes): After narrowly turning blue in 2020 with 49.5% for Biden and 49.3% for Trump, Georgia has remained fiercely contested. Despite a rising left-leaning population in Atlanta, Trump currently leads in recent polls. Polls in Georgia are open from 7 am (5:35 pm IST) to 8 pm (6:30 am IST).
- Arizona (11 electoral votes): Arizona has historically voted Republican, with only two Democratic wins since 1952. However, recent demographic shifts—more young Latino voters and a suburban trend away from the Republican Party—have made Arizona a battleground. Polls open at 8 am (6:30 pm IST) and close at 9 pm (7:30 am IST).
- Wisconsin (10 electoral votes): Known for narrow election results, Wisconsin flipped Republican in 2016 but returned to the Democrats by a slim margin in 2020. Polls open at 8 am (6:30 pm IST) and close at 9 pm (7:30 am IST), reflecting its status as a razor-thin state.
- Michigan (15 electoral votes): As voter turnout in Michigan will be essential, Harris faces challenges. Polling stations open from 7 am or 8 am (5:30 pm or 6:30 pm IST) and close at 9 pm (7:30 am IST), while key political issues, such as Biden’s stance on Gaza, have affected Democratic support.
- Nevada (6 electoral votes): Known for accurately predicting the presidency, Nevada remains in a dead heat. Polls open at 10 am (8:30 pm IST) and close at 10 pm (8:30 am IST).
- North Carolina (15 electoral votes): Critical for Trump’s path to victory, North Carolina has supported only two Democratic presidents since 1976. Polls are open from 6:30 am (5 pm IST) to 6:30 pm (5 am IST), and the state has seen record early voting numbers from Republican supporters.
Tight Polling Margins Show Close Race
According to a Washington Post and Schar School poll conducted in October, 47% of registered voters support both Kamala Harris and Donald Trump.
This tie reflects a razor-thin national lead in FiveThirtyEight’s poll average, with Harris ahead by just 1.8 percentage points.
Recent reports suggest Trump holds a slight advantage in seven critical states, where margins are often less than half a point.
Polling experts emphasize that despite national polling numbers, the true battle lies within these battleground states, each of which could ultimately decide the next president.
Voter Sentiment and Key Issues Impacting Turnout
In Michigan, a plant union leader shared that he felt disillusioned with both candidates, echoing sentiments across the state as some voters feel torn between the Democratic and Republican platforms.
Voter turnout in Michigan will be critical, especially given Harris’s alignment with Biden’s policies on international matters, which has impacted support among some Democratic voters.
Meanwhile, Nevada continues to lean unpredictably, with Clark County showing moderate Democratic support.
Trump has focused his campaign on winning over North Carolina’s rural and white voters and has benefited from a historically high early voting turnout among Republicans.
The Road to 270 Electoral Votes
In the US, the Electoral College—rather than the popular vote—determines the presidency, with each state’s electoral votes based on population.
To secure the presidency, either Harris or Trump must win at least 270 of the 538 electoral votes.
This system has previously led to candidates winning the presidency despite losing the popular vote, as seen in 2016 when Hillary Clinton lost to Trump despite winning more votes.
Conclusion
With the 2024 election shaping up to be one of the closest races in recent history, voters are casting ballots in a tense and polarized political climate.
While national polls show both candidates neck-and-neck, the final result will hinge on battleground states where every vote counts.
As Election Day approaches, all eyes are on these pivotal states to determine who will lead the United States for the next four years.
