226
Kamala HarrisDemocrat
Donald TrumpRepublican
312
270 to win

2024 Electoral Map

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History of US presidents

US Presidential Candidates with Bio

Kamla Harris

THE VICE PRESIDENT

DEMOCRAT

Kamla Harris

THE VICE PRESIDENT

DEMOCRAT

Kamala D. Harris is the Vice President of the United States. She always fights for the people – from her barrier-breaking time as District Attorney of San Francisco and Attorney General of California, to proudly serving as a United States Senator and the Vice President. January 20, 2021, Kamala Harris was sworn in as Vice President – the first woman, the first Black American, and the first South Asian American to be elected to this position.

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Donald Trump

THE 45TH PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES

Republican

Donald Trump

THE 45TH PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES

Republican

Donald John Trump was born in Queens, New York, on June 14, 1946. His father, Fred Trump was a successful real estate developer. Trump was educated at the New York Military Academy and the Wharton School of Finance and Commerce at the University of Pennsylvania. In 1971, he took over his father’s real estate company, renaming it the Trump Organization. The business soon became involved in variety of projects, including hotels, resorts, residential and commercial building, casinos, and golf courses.

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US Election Key Dates

  • June 27, 2024First Presidential Debate
    September 10, 2024Second Presidential Debate
  • October 1, 2024Vice-Presidential Debate
    November 5, 2024Election Day
  • December 17, 2024Electors cast votes
  • January 20, 2025Inauguration day

FAQs

A simple guide to the US presidential election to be held on 5 November 2024 Read More

The US presidential election is a complex process involving more than just the popular vote. Voters choose 538 electors, who ultimately decide the next president through the Electoral College. While most states follow a winner-takes-all system, a few use proportional representation. Key swing states can sway results, and despite absentee and early voting, the official winner isn’t declared until Congress certifies the electoral votes Read More

The US presidential race between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris will be decided on November 5 when America votes. But the candidate who wins the most votes, doesn’t necessarily guarantee a victory. That’s’ because of the electoral college. Here’s how it works Read More

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US Presidential Elections 2024

The US presidential election on November 5, 2024, will be a significant moment for America, featuring former President Donald Trump as the Republican nominee and Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee, following President Joe Biden's decision not to seek a second term. The stakes are high as the nation faces economic recovery, social division and global uncertainties.

Key dates to watch

US election 2024 date: November 5, 2024

Debates: On 10 September 2024, Trump and Harris clashed intensely over key issues like inflation, abortion, immigration and foreign policy during the high-stakes ABC News presidential debate. With just eight weeks remaining until Election Day, both candidates made their case to win over voters.

Early voting in US election: Early voting for the US presidential election is underway in several states, allowing voters to cast ballots in person or by mail. States are sharing insights on early voting trends, including party affiliation and voter age. Harris' campaign is urging Democrats to embrace early voting, while despite his criticisms, Trump and the Republican Party are also encouraging their supporters to participate.

State of the race

As the 2024 US presidential election race tightens, polls are becoming a crucial focus for both campaigns. With three weeks remaining, The New York Times’ polling average shows Harris and Trump nearly tied in seven key battleground states, a rare occurrence this late in the election cycle. According to the BBC, Harris has held a slight lead in national polling averages since entering the race in late July. However, national polls may not always reliably predict the final election outcome.

Key swing states to watch in the US presidential election

A swing state is traditionally defined as one that significantly influences the outcome of US presidential elections, where Democratic and Republican candidates have nearly equal support. In the 2024 US election, key swing states will again be crucial in determining the next president. Georgia, Arizona, Michigan, Wisconsin, Nevada, North Carolina and Pennsylvania are among the battlegrounds showing a tight race between Trump and Harris. Winning these states is essential for either candidate to reach the 270 electoral votes needed for victory.

According to US News, Arizona's political landscape shifted dramatically from a Trump win in 2016 to a narrow Biden victory in 2020, breaking a Republican hold on the state since the start of the 21st century. Biden's win in Georgia was historic, marking the first Democratic victory there since Bill Clinton in 1992. Michigan, while generally leaning Democratic, remains highly contested. Despite having the fewest electoral votes among swing states, Nevada is crucial for the presidential outcome. North Carolina, traditionally Republican-leaning, is still a key battleground, while Pennsylvania, despite its Republican leanings, sees fierce competition from both parties. Wisconsin, once a solidly Democratic "blue wall" state in the Rust Belt, became a battleground after Trump’s narrow win in 2016.

Main campaign issues

The 2024 US presidential election is shaping up as a clash of contrasting visions for America, with Trump and Harris focussing on different priorities to engage their core supporters and undecided voters.

Economy: Trump promises to restore economic growth, cut taxes and reduce inflation, while Harris advocates for a more inclusive economy that emphasises healthcare access, wage equality and infrastructure investments.

Immigration and crime: Trump promotes stricter immigration policies and law enforcement to appeal to conservatives whereas Harris seeks comprehensive immigration reform that balances border security with pathways to citizenship.

Social issues: On topics like abortion rights, gun control and voting rights, the candidates are vastly different. Harris supports progressive policies, while Trump adheres to traditional conservative values.

The Electoral College

In US presidential elections, the Electoral College determines the winner, not the national popular vote. This system assigns electoral votes to the 50 states and the District of Columbia based on population. When voters cast their ballots, they are actually selecting a slate of electors for the president. Most states use a winner-takes-all approach, where the candidate winning the popular vote in that state receives all its electoral votes, except for Maine and Nebraska, which distribute theirs proportionally.

A candidate must secure a minimum of 270 electoral votes out of a total of 538 to win the presidency. If the result is a 269-269 tie, the decision goes to the House of Representatives, where each state delegation casts one vote to break the deadlock.

Notably, it is possible for a candidate to win the presidency without winning the popular vote, as seen with George W Bush in 2000 and Trump in 2016. This phenomenon also occurred three times in the 19th century.

After the election, the electors formally cast their votes on December 17 and the results are sent to Congress, where they are officially counted on January 6. The candidate who secures 270 electoral votes or more is inaugurated as president on January 20.

Fundraising and campaign

Vice President Harris has raised over $1 billion in campaign funds since becoming the Democratic presidential nominee in July, according to US media reports. Although her campaign has not confirmed the exact amount, sources cited by The New York Times and NBC News indicate she has surpassed this milestone, including contributions to her campaign and Democratic Party committees.

This impressive fundraising gives Harris a significant financial advantage over her Republican rival, Trump, as they compete in a tightly contested race. In August, Trump and the Republican National Committee raised $130 million, leaving them with $295 million in cash reserves, compared to Harris and the Democrats' $404 million.

Additionally, The New York Times reports that Harris raised $72 million from three late-September events, positioning her to surpass Trump's September fundraising total of $160 million. Meanwhile, Republicans are closing the gap through super PACs, which can raise unlimited funds independently of campaigns. According to OpenSecrets, the largest pro-Trump super PAC has outspent its Harris-supporting counterpart by tens of millions in the 2024 race.

Voter turnout: A decisive factor

One of the defining features of the 2024 US presidential election will be voter turnout, especially in states with a high proportion of minorities, young voters and women. Harris is relying on these demographics to push her over the finish line. Conversely, Trump is counting on strong support from working-class voters and traditional Republicans, especially in rural areas, to mount a comeback.

Role of mail-in voting

Mail-in voting is anticipated to see robust participation this year, as several states are enhancing accessibility to their voting laws. Former President Trump, who previously opposed this method, seems to have shifted his stance with the introduction of his campaign's grassroots initiative, “Swamp the Vote USA.”

International implications of the US presidential election 2024

The 2024 US Presidential Election will significantly influence global geopolitics, particularly regarding relations with major powers like China, Russia and the European Union. Trump has pledged a return to his America First policies, focussing on trade protectionism and US sovereignty. In contrast, Harris is expected to adopt a more multilateral approach, collaborating with allies on climate change, international trade and global security issues.

Final thoughts on 2024 US Presidential Elections

The 2024 US election is set to be one of the most closely monitored in recent years, with Trump and Harris presenting contrasting visions for the country's future amid a deeply divided electorate. As the election date approaches, the race is expected to tighten, with both campaigns targeting undecided voters in key swing states.