US Election 2024: Americans are gearing up for the presidential vote on November 5, 2024, a pivotal event that will decide the next US president. This election has implications not just for American policies but for global relations and international policy trends. Let’s break down the essential details.
What You Need to Know About the US Election 2024
The US Election 2024 is not just about choosing the next president; voters will also decide on Congressional members who will shape and pass critical legislation. This includes 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 34 seats in the Senate. These elections are important because they determine whether the president can effectively work with Congress to implement policies.
The US Election 2024 Date
The US Election 2024 takes place on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. The winner will officially begin their term in January 2025, serving a four-year term in the White House. The new president will have the power to represent the US on the global stage, influence international relations, and work with Congress to pass legislation that impacts both domestic and foreign policies.
Who Are the US Election 2024 Candidates?
For the US Election 2024, both major political parties have nominated their candidates after holding a series of primaries and caucuses across various states:
- Republican Party: Former President Donald Trump is the official Republican nominee. His running mate for this election is Ohio Senator JD Vance.
- Democratic Party: Kamala Harris entered the race after President Joe Biden chose not to seek re-election. Harris selected Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her vice-presidential candidate.
In addition to these candidates, a few independent candidates have declared their candidacies, though they hold less visibility than the primary party nominees.
What Do Democrats and Republicans Represent?
- Democrats: Known for a liberal agenda, Democrats push for civil rights, expanded healthcare, and action on climate change. They generally support policies aimed at inclusivity and social welfare.
- Republicans: Often described as the conservative party, the GOP promotes limited government, lower taxes, gun rights, and more restrictive immigration policies. Republicans focus on traditional values, smaller government, and personal freedom.
How the US Election 2024 Will Be Decided: The Electoral College
The US Election 2024 outcome depends on the Electoral College, a unique system where each state holds a set number of electoral votes largely determined by population. There are 538 electoral votes total, with 270 required to win the presidency. While most states follow a winner-takes-all approach, where the candidate with the majority takes all electoral votes, Maine and Nebraska allocate their votes by congressional district.
Because of this system, a candidate can secure the popular vote nationally but still lose the election, as seen in previous elections like 2016. This often shifts the focus to swing states like Florida, Pennsylvania, and Ohio, which are known to be unpredictable and can sway the election outcome.
How to Vote in the US Election 2024
Voting in the US Election 2024 is open to US citizens aged 18 or older, but they must be registered. Each state has its own registration requirements, and early voting has already started in key battleground states such as Georgia and North Carolina. US citizens residing abroad can also participate by applying for absentee ballots.
US citizens who live abroad can register to vote and request an absentee postal ballot by completing the Federal Post Card Application (FCPA).
Congressional Elections in the US Election 2024
In addition to the presidential race, the US Election 2024 also includes elections for Congress, which comprises the House of Representatives and the Senate. Republicans currently control the House, while Democrats hold the Senate. Congress plays a significant role in passing laws and can limit or support the president’s agenda based on party alignment.
When Will We Know the Results?
Although results are typically announced on the night of US Election 2024, vote counting can extend for days, especially with close races and high early voting. The winner will be inaugurated in January 2025, marking the official start of their term.
