Emmanuel Ochayi
US Election Begins as Voters Decide the Nation’s Direction
Today, Americans head to the polls for the 2024 US Election, deciding who will serve as the nation’s leader for the next four years.
The two primary candidates, Democrat Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump, represent differing visions for the future. Americans are not only voting for president but also for critical congressional seats that shape US policy.
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In the 2024 US Election, former President Donald Trump is running as the Republican nominee. Trump’s running mate, Ohio Senator JD Vance, brings experience that appeals to Trump’s base.
On the Democratic side, current Vice President Kamala Harris steps in for President Joe Biden, who chose not to run.
Harris’s running mate is Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, known for his focus on community issues. Although some independent candidates have emerged, most notably Robert F. Kennedy Jr., his recent endorsement of Trump adds a unique twist.
How the US Election Works: Understanding the Electoral College
The US Election does not directly rely on a national popular vote but rather on an Electoral College system. Each state has a certain number of electoral votes determined by its congressional representation. This distribution means that while a candidate may win the most votes nationally, they might still lose the election, as happened in 2016 when Trump won despite Hillary Clinton’s larger popular vote count.
To win the presidency, a candidate needs 270 of the 538 electoral votes. States like California, with the highest count at 54, carry significant weight, while smaller states like Vermont and Wyoming hold just three electoral votes each. Except for Maine and Nebraska, which split their electoral votes, most states operate under a “winner-takes-all” system.
Key Battleground States in the 2024 US Election
The US Election often comes down to a handful of critical battleground states, where neither party has consistent dominance. These states include Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. Candidates intensify their campaigns in these regions, appealing to undecided voters who could ultimately sway the election’s outcome.
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As CBS News points out, each of these states has unique demographic and economic factors that make them unpredictable. The campaigns target these states heavily, knowing that a narrow victory in just a few battlegrounds can mean the difference between winning or losing the Electoral College.
Unusual Scenarios: Electoral College Ties and Faithless Electors
While rare, there are scenarios where the Electoral College vote could result in unexpected outcomes. If neither candidate reaches the required 270 electoral votes, it triggers a “contingent election,” where the House of Representatives selects the president. Each state delegation casts one vote, so smaller states have equal weight with larger states.
The last contingent election happened in 1800, but in today’s divided political landscape, a similar situation could arise. If it does, the Senate would select the vice president, potentially leading to a president and vice president from different parties—a split administration with mixed agendas.
Additionally, “faithless electors”—those who don’t vote for their state’s popular choice—can add another twist, though most states have laws to prevent this. If such rare instances impact the 2024 US Election, it could further complicate the process and delay a definitive result.
What Today’s Vote Means for the Future
The outcome of today’s US Election will shape not only domestic policy but also influence global relations, trade policies, and environmental initiatives. Voters are aware that the stakes are high, especially in battleground states where a few votes could tip the scale. Both Kamala Harris and Donald Trump promise to address economic and social challenges, but their approaches differ widely. As Americans await the final count, the world watches closely, anticipating the next chapter in US politics.
Emmanuel Ochayi is a journalist. He is a graduate of the University of Lagos, School of first choice and the nations pride. Emmanuel is keen on exploring writing angles in different areas, including Business, climate change, politics, Education, and others.
