Donald Trump and Kamala Harris
Today, voters in the United States go to the polls to make choices that resonate far beyond the country’s borders, affecting the fate of global challenges. While Americans vote with economic issues, abortion rights and immigration in mind, the US presidential election is a global event. Europe is watching closely, as the war in Ukraine and its implications for the region add even more weight to the outcome of this election. Voting will end on Tuesday night, with the first results expected by dawn Kyiv time. However, in the event of a close contest, the final result could be delayed.
Tens of millions of Americans have already taken advantage of early voting, but the main action is taking place today, the day one of the most polarising election campaigns in decades comes to a close. Currently, polls show a very tight race, with Democrat Kamala Harris leading nationally, but Donald Trump holding on in some key battleground states. The latest polls indicate that Harris has some upward momentum, but the precincts will dot the final tally.
A divided America: Trump vs. Harris
This election campaign has been particularly tumultuous. Trump, a 78-year-old Republican, still attracts supporters for his tough stance on migration and the economy, despite the legal proceedings related to payments to adult actress Stormy Daniels. In recent months, he has suffered an assassination attempt, but he has not given up and is still fighting for the trust of millions of Americans.
Kamala Harris, nominated by the Democratic Party after Joe Biden declined re-election, is fighting for the top spot, claiming a historic victory as the first female president. By focusing on social issues, she is trying to convince the middle class and win the support of women. However, economic difficulties, especially high inflation, have not left her without challenges.
The global significance of the US election
From China to Israel, Lebanon, and Europe, the US election is being watched with particular attention. For Ukraine and Eastern Europe, the outcome of this race could be crucial. Trump has said he would end the war in Ukraine quickly, but his critics fear that this could mean putting pressure on Kyiv to make concessions to Moscow. Harris, on the other hand, promises to continue the policy of support for Ukraine implemented by the Biden administration.
Election schedule and announcement of results
The first polling stations opened at 6:00 a.m. Eastern time (13:00 p.m. Kyiv time), and the last ones will close in the west of the country. The first results will start coming in after the polls close in the east around 02:00 Kyiv time. The results from key states, including Pennsylvania, Georgia, Michigan and Wisconsin, will be of the greatest importance.
While the results of the count may come in overnight, the final confirmation of the winner may take days. In 2020, for example, the final result was announced only four days after the election.
The fate of the US is decided in seven key states
In the 2024 elections, the real battleground will be in seven states: Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. It is in these states that voters have the final say, which could tip the scales in favour of either candidate.
How the US electoral system works
The American electoral system differs from the usual elections in most countries of the world. The winner of the presidential race is not the one who receives the most votes nationwide, but the one who receives at least 270 electoral college votes, distributed among the 50 states. Important states such as California and Texas have the most votes, while less populated states have only a few.
Not just the president: congressional elections
Along with the presidential election, the fate of the US Congress is also being decided today. All 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 34 of the 100 seats in the Senate are up for renewal. The balance of power in Congress will determine whether the new president will be able to effectively implement his policies.
In the Senate, Republicans are expected to gain an advantage, but only with a slight majority. Elections to the House of Representatives, in turn, could be a real challenge for both parties.
This year’s elections in the United States are likely to be one of the most decisive for the country and the world. Their outcome will affect global security, economic and international relations issues that will shape the future for years to come.
