Today, Americans cast their votes in the highly anticipated 2024 US presidential election, choosing between Democratic nominee Kamala Harris and Republican candidate Donald Trump. This election, closely watched worldwide, will also determine new Congressional members, who play a crucial role in shaping the nation’s policies.
The Candidates
On the Republican side, former President Donald Trump secured the nomination with strong support from party members and selected Ohio Senator JD Vance as his running mate. Kamala Harris, currently serving as Vice President, became the Democratic nominee after President Joe Biden decided against seeking a second term. Her choice for Vice President is Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.
Other candidates in the race include independent voices like Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who initially ran but withdrew in August, endorsing Trump shortly afterward.
How the Election Works
The US presidential election operates through an Electoral College system, where states cast votes rather than relying solely on the popular vote. Each state is allotted electoral votes based on its congressional representation, with 538 total electoral votes across all 50 states. To win, a candidate needs a majority of 270 electoral votes.
Most states follow a winner-takes-all approach, awarding all electoral votes to the candidate with the most votes in that state. Only Maine and Nebraska can split their votes according to results in individual congressional districts. Larger states like California and Florida hold a significant influence with higher electoral vote counts, while smaller states like Wyoming and Vermont have just three each.
Battleground States
Key states like Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin are considered battlegrounds this election cycle, where candidates concentrate their final campaign efforts. These states have historically swung between Democratic and Republican preferences and can ultimately decide the election outcome.
Possible Election Scenarios
In rare cases, members of the Electoral College, known as “faithless electors,” may cast their vote for a different candidate than the one who won their state. Additionally, if neither candidate secures the 270-vote majority, a contingent election would be triggered, sending the decision to the House of Representatives, where each state delegation has one vote to select the president. The Senate would then elect the vice president, creating the possibility of a president and vice president from opposing parties.
Should a contingent election occur, the House vote would take place on January 6, 2025, offering an unusual and historic way to determine America’s leadership for the next four years.
