New York, Nov 06, (V7N) - Election Day 2024 has arrived, and with polling places closing across the country, the first votes have been counted. As Americans head to the polls in big cities and small towns, the race for the White House between Former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris is shaping up to be one of the closest in recent history. Voters have cast their ballots on major issues like inflation, the economy, abortion rights, and immigration, and now the country awaits the results.

The race between Trump and Harris has been marked by razor-thin margins, with polling in swing states showing consistently tight numbers. These states, which will determine the all-important Electoral College vote, are expected to play a pivotal role in deciding the outcome of the election.

The Early Hours: A Reflection of the National Divide

In the small New Hampshire town of Dixville Notch, where voting traditionally begins just after midnight, the first votes were cast early Monday morning. In a reflection of the nation’s divided political landscape, the town’s residents cast an equal number of votes—three each—for both Trump and Harris. While Dixville Notch represents a small sample, the split vote serves as a reminder of the deep polarization across the country.

Polling places opened across the U.S. early Tuesday, and voters have been making their voices heard. As the day continues, results will trickle in, with many key states expected to report later in the evening or into Wednesday morning.

The Tight Race for the Electoral College

In the lead-up to Election Day, both candidates focused their efforts on battleground states where the race is expected to be tight. Trump and Harris have spent months outlining their policies on issues that matter most to voters, including the economy, abortion rights, healthcare, and immigration. Each has launched sharp attacks on the other, painting their opponent as unfit for office.

Polling in these battleground states has been closely watched, with many surveys showing margins within the margin of error, which indicates that the race is too close to call. States such as Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Georgia, and Arizona will be key to determining the winner, and the results in these states could shift as the counting process continues.

Trump and Harris Make Their Final Appeals

In the hours leading up to Election Day, Trump and Harris made their final appeals to voters. Trump, who has maintained a strong base of support among Republicans, has focused his message on economic recovery, tax cuts, and strong border security. He has also made abortion restrictions a key part of his platform, signaling his commitment to limiting access to reproductive rights. His campaign has emphasized law and order, claiming that his policies will keep America safe from threats both foreign and domestic.

Harris, meanwhile, has spent the final days of the campaign discussing her administration’s accomplishments, including economic growth under the Biden administration and efforts to expand healthcare access. She has made it clear that defending abortion rights is one of her top priorities, following the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade in 2022. Harris has also positioned herself as a champion of social justice and equality, emphasizing the need for policies that address systemic issues affecting marginalized communities.

While both candidates have focused on traditional battleground states, they have also campaigned in less predictable areas, hoping to appeal to independent and undecided voters who could swing the election one way or the other.

An Uncertain Night Ahead

As the polls close across the country, voters and analysts alike are bracing for a long night ahead. The first states to report results are expected to be those where the race is less competitive, such as Kentucky and Indiana. However, the outcomes in swing states like Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Michigan are expected to take longer to tally, as large numbers of mail-in ballots and early voting have been cast.

The close margins in these states mean that it could be hours or even days before the final tally is complete. Legal challenges, recounts, and the ongoing counting of absentee ballots may delay a clear result, as we saw in past elections, including the 2000 race between Al Gore and George W. Bush.

The Importance of Key Swing States

In 2024, the battleground states are once again expected to determine the outcome of the election. Trump and Harris have both campaigned hard in these states, where small shifts in voter turnout or demographics can make a significant difference in the overall result.

In Pennsylvania, a state that has flipped between Democratic and Republican candidates in recent elections, Trump has been working to energize his base, particularly in rural areas, while Harris has focused on urban centers and suburban voters. In Michigan and Wisconsin, Trump’s message on trade and manufacturing jobs resonates with working-class voters, while Harris has emphasized her commitment to expanding healthcare and tackling climate change.

Georgia, Arizona, and Nevada will also be crucial to the final outcome, with each state showing signs of increased voter engagement, particularly among younger and minority voters. These states have increasingly become battlegrounds as demographics shift and more voters show up at the polls.

Looking Ahead: The Possibility of a Prolonged Count

Given the tight margins in many of these states, it’s possible that we won’t know the winner by the end of Election Day. Even if some states report results early, others—particularly those with large populations and high numbers of mail-in ballots—may take longer to count.

In the event of a very close race, legal challenges could come into play, as candidates may contest the results in key states, especially if there are concerns about the validity of ballots or vote-counting procedures. This scenario has become increasingly common in recent elections, and both Trump and Harris have already indicated they are prepared for a lengthy process.

Global Eyes on the U.S. Election

While Americans wait for the election results, the rest of the world is also paying close attention. The outcome of this election will have far-reaching consequences, particularly in the areas of foreign policy, trade, and international relations. Key allies and adversaries alike will be watching to see how the U.S. approaches global challenges, such as the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, tensions with China, and climate change.

In Russia, officials have already weighed in on the election, with spokesperson Maria Zakharova calling on the U.S. to focus on solving its own problems rather than pursuing international “adventures.” With the global economy and security situation at a crossroads, the next U.S. president’s policies will have a significant impact on the world stage.

A Long Wait for Results

As the night continues and results trickle in, Americans across the country will be waiting to see who emerges as the winner of Election Day 2024. It’s clear that the race is far from over, and both campaigns are preparing for a potentially prolonged battle as ballots are counted, legal challenges are made, and the final results are tallied.

For now, the nation waits—anxiously watching the returns, hoping for a decisive conclusion but understanding that the outcome may take time to emerge. As history has shown, in tight elections like this one, patience is key. The winner will be determined in the days ahead, but until then, the uncertainty and anticipation will keep the nation on edge.

END/NYC/SMA/