Tight Race for the White House: What to Expect in the 2024 Presidential Election

The 2024 U.S. presidential election is poised to be one of the most closely contested in recent history, with Democrat Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump locked in a tight race. As of November 4, national and swing state polls indicate narrowing margins, suggesting that the outcome could hinge on a few key states.

The election results may not be immediately clear on election night due to various factors, including changes in election administration across states and the potential for recounts. States like Michigan have expedited their vote counting processes, but the overall pace of result reporting could be slower than in previous years. The 2020 presidential election, for example, saw results announced several days after the election, with Joe Biden declared the winner on Saturday, November 7.

Seven swing states—Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Nevada, and Wisconsin—are crucial in determining the outcome. These states have been the focus of intense campaigning by both candidates, with each side attempting to secure the necessary 270 electoral votes to win the presidency.

Kamala Harris, if elected, would make history as the first woman, first Black woman, and first person of South Asian descent to hold the presidency. Her campaign has emphasized issues such as women’s rights, particularly abortion rights following the Supreme Court‘s reversal of Roe v. Wade, and has secured significant funding for advertisements in swing states.

Donald Trump, on the other hand, is focusing on issues like illegal immigration and has maintained a strong base of support despite various controversies and legal challenges. His campaign has also raised substantial funds, though less than Harris’s, and he has vowed to take a tougher stance on international issues if re-elected.

The election has significant global implications, with observers noting that a Trump victory could lead to a more isolationist U.S. foreign policy, potentially affecting relationships with NATO and the handling of conflicts such as the Ukraine crisis.

Experts have warned of the potential for civil unrest and political violence, given the deep divisions within the country and the reluctance of Trump and some Republicans to commit to accepting the election results if they lose).