Candidates Campaign in Critical Swing States Amid Tight Polling
As the countdown to Election Day intensifies, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are maximizing their final campaigning efforts, presenting starkly different visions to voters. With polls indicating a highly competitive race, both candidates are focusing on crucial swing states that will ultimately determine the outcome of the election.
Election Day Details
The US elections are set for Tuesday, November 5, 2024, with results expected to begin rolling in shortly after the first polls close at 6 p.m. local time (4:30 a.m. IST). The winning candidate will be inaugurated on January 20, 2025, and will serve a four-year term. In addition to selecting a president, voters will also elect representatives for both the House and Senate.
Battleground States in Focus
Key battleground states are poised to play pivotal roles in the election outcome. Pennsylvania, with its 19 electoral votes, is particularly significant, as both campaigns aim to capture its electorate. Polls in Pennsylvania open at 7 a.m. (5:30 p.m. IST) and close at 8 p.m. (6:30 a.m. IST).
Political analyst Mark Halperin notes that Harris may face challenges in states like Arizona, North Carolina, and Georgia. While she could potentially win Pennsylvania, losing Wisconsin could cost her the presidency.
Georgia’s race remains competitive, with Trump leading in recent polls. After Biden’s narrow victory in the state during the 2020 elections, Trump is focusing on regaining support from voters. Polls in Georgia open at 7 a.m. (5:30 p.m. IST) and close at 8 p.m. (6:30 a.m. IST).
Arizona, traditionally a Republican stronghold, has shifted to a battleground state due to changing demographics and political dynamics. Polls there open at 8 a.m. (6:30 p.m. IST) and close at 9 p.m. (7:30 a.m. IST).
Wisconsin, which has swung back and forth between parties in recent elections, remains a closely contested state. Polls open at 8 a.m. (6:30 p.m. IST) and close at 9 p.m. (7:30 a.m. IST).
Polling Insights
According to a recent poll by The Washington Post and Schar School, 47% of registered voters support both Harris and Trump, indicating a tightly contested election. The FiveThirtyEight poll average shows a slight edge for Trump, though the difference is within the margin of error.
In Michigan, crucial voter turnout is anticipated as sentiments around Biden’s policies may have alienated some Democratic voters. Polls in Michigan open at 7 a.m. or 8 a.m. (5:30 a.m. or 6:30 a.m. IST) and close at 9 p.m. (7:30 a.m. IST).
Nevada’s polling is too close to call, with recent surveys indicating a near tie between the candidates. Polls open at 10 a.m. (8:30 p.m. IST) and close at 10 p.m. (8:30 a.m. IST).
North Carolina is another critical state for Trump’s comeback, with polls showing that both candidates are vying for voter support. Polls there open at 6:30 a.m. (5:00 p.m. IST) and close at 6:30 p.m. (5:00 a.m. IST).
The Importance of the Electoral College
It is essential to note that winning the popular vote does not guarantee a victory in the Electoral College. To win the presidency, a candidate must secure at least 270 electoral votes out of the 538 available. Recent surveys indicate that the race remains incredibly tight, with less than half a point separating the contenders in seven battleground states. As the election approaches, every vote will count.