- Kamala and Trump Employ Various Tactics to Attract Voters in the Final Moments
- Not the Popular Vote, but the Electoral Vote Will Decide the Winner
- Anxiety Surrounds the Post-Election Situation
The vote is knocking at the door. Campaigning for the highly anticipated U.S. presidential election comes to an end today. Tomorrow, voters will cast their final decision on who they want as president. It is often said that this presidential election impacts not only America but also plays a significant role in shaping global diplomacy and military policies. While the main vote is set for tomorrow, early voting began earlier, with over seventy million voters having already cast their ballots. Election experts expect a higher early voter turnout compared to the previous election. In addition to the two main contenders, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, four other candidates are also competing in the election.
Reasons Behind the Global Stakes in the U.S. Election
The U.S. presidential election is taking place amid major global tensions: the ongoing war in Ukraine, the crisis in Gaza and Lebanon due to Israeli attacks, and fears of conflict spreading across the Middle East. Iran and Israel appear to be on the brink of war, and the U.S.-China relationship is strained over Taiwan, creating issues in the South China Sea and East Asia. A new crisis has also emerged between India and Canada due to allegations of a conspiracy on U.S. soil involving the assassination of a Khalistani leader, causing diplomatic friction between President Joe Biden’s administration and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government. Additionally, the BRICS alliance is attempting to establish an economic structure to counter the U.S.
Several African nations, including Sudan, Mali, Somalia, Congo, and Burkina Faso, face instability from civil wars and terrorism. Economically, global investors and businesses are uneasy about a potential trade war between China and the U.S. over economic dominance. European leaders, particularly, are following the U.S. election closely, with many favoring Democratic candidate Kamala Harris, as a Trump victory is seen as potentially problematic for Europe.
Reasons Behind the Global Stakes in the U.S. Election
The U.S. presidential election is taking place amid major global tensions: the ongoing war in Ukraine, the crisis in Gaza and Lebanon due to Israeli attacks, and fears of conflict spreading across the Middle East. Iran and Israel appear to be on the brink of war, and the U.S.-China relationship is strained over Taiwan, creating issues in the South China Sea and East Asia. A new crisis has also emerged between India and Canada due to allegations of a conspiracy on U.S. soil involving the assassination of a Khalistani leader, causing diplomatic friction between President Joe Biden’s administration and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government. Additionally, the BRICS alliance is attempting to establish an economic structure to counter the U.S.
Several African nations, including Sudan, Mali, Somalia, Congo, and Burkina Faso, face instability from civil wars and terrorism. Economically, global investors and businesses are uneasy about a potential trade war between China and the U.S. over economic dominance. European leaders, particularly, are following the U.S. election closely, with many favoring Democratic candidate Kamala Harris, as a Trump victory is seen as potentially problematic for Europe.
At this pivotal moment of global crisis, tomorrow’s vote will reveal whether Kamala Harris, the Democratic candidate, will follow Biden’s policies and lead with a firm international vision, or if Republican candidate Donald Trump will again pursue an “America First” approach with his “Make America Great Again” agenda. Due to the U.S.’s economic and military strength and its leadership in many global alliances, this election could influence democratic stability worldwide. Analysts suggest that if Kamala Harris wins, there might be minimal change in the White House’s current policies on international politics, diplomacy, and economics, as she is likely to continue Biden’s approach. However, the outcome could be vastly different if former President Donald Trump wins.
The Voting Process
Most voters will cast their ballots at polling stations on Tuesday, with vote counting starting soon after. Many have already voted early or by mail, with over 70 million voters having done so.
When Does Vote Counting Start?
Each state determines its own closing time for polling, after which counting begins. Generally, counting starts at 7 p.m. local time, meaning that while some states begin counting, states like Alaska and Hawaii may still be voting due to time differences.
When Will Results Be Available?
In most cases, a winner is known within days, though final results can sometimes take months. For example, Joe Biden was declared the winner in 2020 just three days after Election Day when Pennsylvania’s results gave him the needed 270 electoral votes. In 2016, Hillary Clinton conceded to Trump the morning after the election.
Swing States and Their Influence
Most states traditionally vote consistently for one party; Republican-leaning states are called “Red States,” and Democrat-leaning ones are “Blue States.” Swing states, however, could vote either way and are the election battlegrounds. States like Nevada, Arizona, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Georgia, North Carolina, and Wisconsin are crucial as their support can swing the outcome.
Electoral Votes and Controversy
There are 538 electoral votes in total, with 270 needed to win. When Americans vote, they technically vote for a candidate’s electors. For instance, if Kamala Harris wins the majority in California, she will receive its 54 electoral votes. Only Maine and Nebraska divide electoral votes based on vote percentage. The electoral system can sometimes misalign with the popular vote, as in 2016, when Hillary Clinton won more votes overall, but Trump secured more electoral votes and won.
What Happens in the Event of a Tie?
If both candidates receive 269 electoral votes, the House of Representatives decides the winner, with each state casting one vote and 26 votes needed to win. However, such a tie has never occurred in U.S. election history.
When is the Winner Declared?
On January 6, Congress confirms the vote count, with the president taking the oath on January 20. However, the winner is usually clear on Election Day itself, with the January 6 announcement being a formality.
Other Elections on the Ballot
In addition to the presidential election, the Senate and House of Representatives elections will be held tomorrow, with 33 Senate and 435 House seats up for grabs. Some states will also hold other elections and vote on major issues, including the controversial topic of abortion rights.
Concerns Over Post-Election Unrest
Former President Bill Clinton has expressed concerns about post-election violence if Trump loses, warning of potential unrest akin to that seen in 2020. Trump’s supporters have reportedly prepared for such scenarios, with Trump even suggesting that a loss could lead to bloodshed. As a result, many Americans are anxious about potential turmoil after the election.
— BBC, CNN, Reuters, and The Telegraph
