Election Day In America | November 5, 2024

Summary

On this Election Day edition of CNN 10, Ki Wire covers the tight race between Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Kamala Harris for the U.S. presidency. With 270 electoral votes needed to win, both candidates focus on key battleground states. The election could be delayed as some states may take time to count ballots. If no candidate secures a majority, the House of Representatives decides the president. As polling shows a near tie, the outcome hinges on crucial states like Pennsylvania, with voters' turnout likely to decide the winner.

Takeaways

• 😀 Election Day 2024 is today, November 5th, with a tight presidential race between Vice President Kamala Harris (Democrat) and former President Donald Trump (Republican).
• 😀 Both candidates have focused on contested battleground states, with their campaigns making final pushes to secure votes.
• 😀 The presidential election requires 270 electoral votes to win, and much attention will be on seven key battleground states: Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.
• 😀 In addition to the presidential race, all 435 House seats, 34 Senate seats, and 11 governor races are up for election, alongside various ballot measures.
• 😀 Results may not be known immediately, as some states may need additional time to count ballots, especially in close races.
• 😀 On Election Night, the process may include election calls, but some candidates may contest results or delay conceding, making the transition of power potentially longer.
• 😀 Voters do not directly elect the president; instead, they vote for electors who then cast their ballots for president and vice president.
• 😀 The election process involves a series of steps, including certification by state governors, followed by electoral votes on December 14th, and Congressional approval on January 6th.
• 😀 In the event of election disputes, the 1876 election serves as an example of Congress brokering a compromise to resolve electoral conflicts.
• 😀 If no candidate achieves a majority of electoral votes, the House of Representatives will decide the president, with each state delegation getting one vote, while the Senate picks the vice president.
• 😀 The 2024 race is exceptionally close, with polling data showing a near tie between Harris and Trump. The final result will depend on voter turnout and how key states break.
• 😀 The outcome of Pennsylvania's election could be decisive, with the winner of the state likely to win the presidency. Polls show Pennsylvania is a key battleground state.

Q & A

Who are the two main candidates running for U.S. President in the 2024 election?

The two main candidates are former President Donald Trump (Republican) and Vice President Kamala Harris (Democrat).

What key role do battleground states play in the 2024 U.S. presidential election?

Battleground states are crucial as they can swing in favor of either candidate. In the 2024 election, seven key states—Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin—hold 94 electoral votes, which could decide the outcome.

What is the total number of electoral votes needed to win the U.S. presidency?

A candidate needs 270 electoral votes to win the presidency.

How is the U.S. President chosen through the electoral process?

Voters do not directly vote for the president. Instead, they vote for electors, who are responsible for choosing the president and vice president. The electors' votes are counted by Congress in January.

What are the potential delays or complications in determining the winner of the election?

Complications can arise from disputes over vote counting or certification. Some states may take longer to finalize their counts, and there could be challenges to the legitimacy of election results.

What happens if there is no clear winner by the end of the electoral process?

If no candidate has a majority of electoral votes, the 12th Amendment allows the House of Representatives to decide the president, with each state delegation casting one vote.

What was the outcome of the 1876 U.S. presidential election and how did it affect the electoral process?

In 1876, there was a disputed election with 19 electoral votes in question. After a compromise brokered by Congress, Rutherford Hayes was declared president, and Reconstruction ended in exchange for the withdrawal of federal troops from the South.

What does a 'statistical tie' mean in the context of polling results?

A statistical tie means the difference in support between candidates is so small that it is within the margin of error, making it impossible to declare a clear leader.

What is the significance of Pennsylvania in the 2024 election race?

Pennsylvania is a crucial battleground state, and its outcome could decide the winner of the presidential race. In the provided scenario, whoever wins Pennsylvania would secure the presidency.

What role does early voting play in the election process?

Early voting allows citizens to cast their ballots before Election Day. For those who did not participate in early voting, Election Day voting becomes the deciding factor.