What to Expect on Election Day 2024: Key Timelines and Swing States
As the 2024 U.S. presidential election approaches, Americans are gearing up for one of the most pivotal days in recent history. With Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump vying for the White House, along with critical Senate and House seats on the line, Election Day promises to be intense and closely watched. Not only are millions casting their votes, but there’s also keen attention on key swing states that could determine the outcome.
This year, there are seven critical swing states: Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Arizona, Georgia, Nevada, and North Carolina. These states will largely dictate who crosses the 270 electoral votes needed to secure the presidency. Vice President Harris aims to recreate the “blue wall” success of the 2020 election in the Great Lakes states, while Trump looks to win back these crucial areas, potentially leaning on states like Georgia or Arizona for a decisive edge. If Harris wins, she would become the first woman and first woman of color to hold the office, while Trump would be among the few presidents to return after a non-consecutive term, creating historical implications regardless of the outcome.
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Beyond the presidential race, other high-stakes decisions are on the ballot. Several states, including Arizona and Florida, are voting on critical issues like abortion rights, which have drawn national attention. Additionally, both parties are fighting for control of Congress. Republicans hope to capitalize on a favorable Senate map to gain seats, with Democrats defending vulnerable positions in states like Ohio and West Virginia. Meanwhile, Democrats aim to reclaim a slim House majority lost in 2022 by targeting key districts from New York to California.
As Election Day unfolds, the early returns may provide some insight, but there are likely to be “red” and “blue” mirages in the results. For example, mail-in ballots, which tend to favor Democrats, are counted after Election Day votes in many states, meaning initial results might lean Republican until all votes are counted. Pennsylvania and Wisconsin are examples where delayed counting of mail-in votes could shift initial “red” leads to “blue” wins in the hours or days after polls close.
There’s also the possibility of prolonged vote counting and, perhaps, legal challenges. Different states have varying rules for processing mail-in ballots, which could delay definitive results. States like Florida count mail-in ballots quickly, but others, like Pennsylvania, don’t begin counting until Election Day, meaning close results might not be fully known for days. This potential delay has some anticipating that Trump may declare victory early if initial numbers lean in his favor, a strategy he employed in 2020. To mitigate confusion, experts and media outlets have been advising voters to expect final results to come in gradually.
In a year of tight margins and high stakes, Election Day 2024 is shaping up to be a historic event, likely to be watched, analyzed, and remembered for years to come. With record voter turnout expected and fierce competition on every level, Americans are bracing for what could be an unforgettable election night—and potentially, days beyond.
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