Washington: The presidential contest between Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Kamala Harris surged toward an unpredictable conclusion on Tuesday. Millions of Americans lined up at polling stations to decide between two drastically different visions for the country’s future.
This race has been marked by extraordinary events, including two assassination attempts on Trump, President Joe Biden’s unexpected withdrawal, and Harris’ rapid rise as the Democratic nominee. Despite billions in campaign spending and a frenzied election season, the race remains incredibly close.
With both parties deeply divided, the country braces for a historic finish. Trump, who continues to insist he won the 2020 election, cast his vote near his Palm Beach, Florida residence. Meanwhile, Harris campaigned across battleground states in the final hours, urging unity and stressing the importance of protecting democracy.
Over 80 Million Votes Cast Before Election Day
Before Tuesday, more than 80 million Americans had already voted, either by mail or in early polling. Voting on Election Day appeared organized, with short lines reported at many stations. However, minor technical issues were reported in Pennsylvania’s Cambria County, prompting a local court to extend voting hours by two hours. In Georgia, false bomb threats briefly shut down two polling sites.
Voters’ Motivations in Key States
In Michigan, voters like Nakita Hogue, 50, and her daughter Niemah, 18, cast their ballots for Harris. Their motivation centered on reproductive rights, an issue that has gained traction amid Republican efforts to restrict women’s healthcare access. “I want my daughter to have the choice to make her own decisions,” Nakita explained.
In Arizona, Trump supporter Jesse Miranda, a union plumber and Mexican immigrant, cited inflation and immigration control as reasons for supporting the former president. “I want to see people come here who are willing to work and chase the American dream,” Miranda said.
US Election Day, Security Tightens Amid Tense Trump-Harris Race
Potential Declaration of Victory
Trump’s campaign hinted he may declare victory on election night, even while millions of ballots remain uncounted. The former president has suggested that any loss would be due to widespread fraud, echoing his unfounded claims from the 2020 election. Experts warn that the final outcome might take days if the vote margins in battleground states are razor-thin.
Historic Implications
Regardless of who wins, this election will make history. Harris, 60, would be the first female president, as well as the first Black woman and South Asian American to hold the office. Trump, 78, would become the first president to secure non-consecutive terms in over a century, despite his historic double impeachment and criminal conviction.
Neck-and-Neck in Battleground States
Opinion polls show the candidates nearly tied in key states like Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll indicated Harris has a 12-point lead among women, while Trump holds a seven-point lead among male voters.
The close race highlights a deeply polarized nation. While Harris has urged Americans to unite, Trump has leaned on stark, sometimes apocalyptic themes in his speeches. The election outcome will also impact control of Congress, with Republicans favored in the Senate and the House race remaining uncertain.
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