The U.S. presidential election, one of the most closely watched elections globally, is taking place on November 5, 2024. This time, the main contenders are Kamala Harris from the Democratic Party and Donald Trump from the Republican Party.
Election Process:
According to U.S. law, the presidential election occurs on the first Tuesday following the first Monday in November. This year’s election includes not only the presidential race but also elections for all 435 seats in the House of Representatives, 34 Senate seats, and various state and local positions. The results will not only determine the next president but will also assess the influence of both major parties across the government.
Early Voting:
The U.S. allows for early voting, and this year around 70 million voters took advantage of this option. Many candidates and voters submitted ballots by mail or through early in-person voting.
Polling Hours and Time Zones:
Given the vast size of the United States, the election process involves different time zones across states, resulting in varied start and end times for voting. Based on Indian Standard Time (IST), the voting process will conclude around 5:30 AM on November 6.
Vote Counting and Results:
As soon as polling ends, the counting begins. In key “swing states” — where the outcome could go either way — the initial results will provide a clearer picture of the likely winner. If the election proceeds smoothly, the next U.S. president might be known by tomorrow. However, official results may take a few days due to certification processes and formal verifications.
This election will determine the direction of the U.S. for the next four years and will have a significant impact on both American and global politics.
