The race towards Election Day is intensifying. With votes already being cast through mail and early voting, the October 1 debate might be the last major confrontation between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump.
Unforeseen events have already shaped this election cycle, including President Joe Biden’s surprising campaign struggles and an assassination attempt on Trump that galvanized his supporters. As the nation moves closer to November 5, the landscape remains unpredictable.
Early voting, whether in person or by mail, is in full swing across the nation. Nearly 70% of voters opted for early or mail-in voting in the 2020 election, influenced by the pandemic. In this election, campaigns are concentrating their efforts on crucial battleground states.
In 2020, Biden secured victories in five states that Trump had won in 2016: Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. These states are once again pivotal for Harris as she vies against Trump in 2024. Voter registration, which can often be completed online, remains a priority, particularly with 23 states and Washington, DC, allowing same-day registration.
Federal elections are mandated to occur on the Tuesday following the first Monday of November; this year, that date is November 5. For those not participating in early voting, this will be the day to visit local polling stations. Poll closing times will vary across states.
Due to the prevalence of mail-in voting, a final result may not be known on Election Day if key states have close tallies. Expect litigation and possible recounts in certain states. It’s important to note that Election Day marks the beginning, not the end, of the electoral process. Separately, Trump faces sentencing for 34 counts of falsifying business records on November 26. Concurrently, Biden will celebrate his 82nd birthday.
Post-election, states will confirm their results.
The designated electors will meet in their respective states to cast their votes for the presidential candidate who won their state. Nebraska and Maine also distribute some of their electoral votes by congressional district, which could be decisive in a tight race.
The newly elected Congress will take their oaths of office on January 3. In the rare event of an Electoral College tie, it falls to this new Congress to determine the outcome as each state delegation in the House will cast one vote for president.
On January 6, Congress convenes to officially count the electoral votes, a process overseen by the Vice President. Vice President Harris may find herself in the unique position of presiding over either her own victory or defeat. The inauguration of the next president will occur on January 20, 2025.
As the nation anticipates Election Day, the journey ahead is fraught with uncertainty and high stakes. The unfolding political events and legal proceedings will undoubtedly shape the country’s future.
With every vote cast and every legal challenge, the democratic process is tested, reaffirming the importance of each citizen’s participation. The coming months will be pivotal in determining the leadership and direction of the nation.
