As Americans cast their votes today in one of the nation’s most consequential elections, the battle for the presidency has narrowed to Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. This election is expected to set new records in terms of voter turnout, early voting, and campaign spending, underscoring its importance in shaping the future of American democracy and its global role.

The results will be closely watched not only for the decision on the presidency but also for its impact on the composition of Congress, with significant stakes in both the House and the Senate. Here’s a comprehensive look at the race, the issues at stake, and what to expect as results begin to unfold.

Election Day 2024: Key Facts and Context

Voting in the U.S. presidential election officially began on the morning of November 5, with polls across the country opening early to accommodate a high volume of voters. This year, Americans are voting after a turbulent campaign season that has included unprecedented legal challenges, shifts in foreign policy, and mounting economic anxieties. Election analysts predict that several key battleground states, such as Pennsylvania, Georgia, Arizona, and Michigan, will play a critical role in deciding the outcome.

For the first time, a woman of color, Vice President Kamala Harris, is the Democratic nominee, after President Joe Biden opted not to run for a second term. Her opponent, Donald Trump, remains a divisive figure, running as the Republican candidate in an attempt to secure a second non-consecutive term. Trump’s supporters continue to rally around his calls for stronger immigration controls, tax reform, and foreign policy that prioritizes U.S. interests. In contrast, Harris has promised to lower healthcare and housing costs, tackle climate change aggressively, and bridge income disparities.

Timeline and Process of Election Results

Counting ballots and reporting results is a complex, state-dependent process. Polls in many states will begin closing by 7 p.m. EST, with states in the western part of the U.S., such as California and Washington, closing their polls around 11 p.m. EST​

LiveMint. While preliminary results may begin emerging shortly after polls close, mail-in ballots and other forms of early voting—now representing nearly 40% of total votes in some states—may delay the final tally, especially in closely contested regions​

Historical data shows that if a state’s results are exceptionally close, recounts and legal challenges could prolong the process. In the last presidential election, the final outcome was clear only after several days, and with both campaigns prepared to mount legal challenges, a similar situation could arise this year.

The Candidates’ Closing Messages

Kamala Harris has focused her campaign on economic relief, promising a middle-class tax cut and new investments in clean energy. Her background as both a former prosecutor and U.S. Senator has been a focal point of her appeal, particularly among minority groups and women, two demographics pivotal to her support base. In her final address to supporters, Harris emphasized “unity over division” and called for a renewed focus on building alliances abroad while addressing pressing domestic concerns, including inflation and job growth.

Donald Trump has centered his campaign on restoring a more conservative vision for the U.S., vowing to “rebuild America’s borders” and strengthen law enforcement. His recent campaign rallies highlighted his stance against what he describes as “socialist” policies and his desire to reverse many of Biden’s policies on health care, climate, and foreign aid. Trump remains particularly popular among rural voters, older demographics, and those disillusioned with the government’s COVID-19 pandemic response.

Potential Impact of Election Results on Key Issues

1. Economy and Inflation: Both candidates have different approaches to tackle inflation, which remains a significant concern. Harris has proposed direct economic relief for middle-class families, alongside targeted subsidies for energy efficiency projects. Trump’s approach focuses on deregulation and reducing corporate taxes to stimulate job growth and manufacturing.
2. Healthcare: The candidates present contrasting healthcare plans. Harris supports expanding the Affordable Care Act, focusing on reducing prescription drug prices, and broadening healthcare access. Trump advocates for private healthcare options, emphasizing individual choice over government-mandated healthcare frameworks.
3. Climate and Environment: Harris has pledged to implement aggressive climate measures, aiming for carbon neutrality by 2050, in alignment with the Paris Climate Agreement. Conversely, Trump has proposed a scaled-back environmental strategy, seeking to bolster fossil fuel industries and reduce restrictions on domestic energy production.
4. Foreign Policy: Harris has leaned on multilateral diplomacy and reaffirming international alliances, especially in Europe and the Indo-Pacific. Trump has maintained a more isolationist stance, focusing on “America First” policies and suggesting a reassessment of NATO and other global alliances if elected.

Swing States in Focus

As always, the outcome in several key states is anticipated to determine the next president. These states include:

• Pennsylvania: A crucial state with a nearly equal split in Democratic and Republican registration.
• Michigan and Wisconsin: Traditional swing states in the Midwest with a history of leaning toward Democratic candidates but won by Trump in 2016.
• Arizona and Georgia: Historically Republican strongholds that have increasingly shown Democratic tendencies.

What to Expect on Election Night

Although some results may be clear by late tonight or early tomorrow morning, a close race in pivotal states may prolong the official outcome. Should the election hinge on absentee and early ballots in swing states, results could take up to several days, particularly if any recounts or legal disputes arise.

Experts have also warned that the high volume of mail-in ballots and the likelihood of close results in key states could delay projections. This delay would echo the 2000 election, which required intervention by the Supreme Court to resolve a recount issue in Florida.

When Will the New President Take Office?

Regardless of the timeline for determining the winner, the 47th president is scheduled to be inaugurated on January 20, 2025. However, in the event of legal battles, particularly involving disputed ballots or recounts, the final confirmation could extend into mid-December when the Electoral College formally certifies the outcome​

Conclusion and Looking Ahead

The 2024 U.S. presidential election has already proven to be one of the most fiercely contested in recent history, marked by intense political polarization, legal challenges, and a divided electorate. As Americans await the results, questions loom about the direction of U.S. domestic and foreign policy under either a second Trump administration or a Harris-led government. The world watches as the U.S. grapples with not only its next leader but also its place in an increasingly interconnected and turbulent world.

Stay tuned as live updates continue to flow in, with projections expected throughout the night. The final outcome, however, may take some time, and both candidates have indicated their readiness to challenge results in tightly contested areas, signaling potential delays and heightened tensions before a definitive result is confirmed.