 "US Presidential Election 2024: Date, time, results, and where to watch")
US Election Date, Time: The United States will begin polling on Tuesday, November 5, 2024 to choose their next president.
While the results of the polls are declared within hours of voting, in cases of tight contest, it may take days before a clear winner is announced. This may be the case this year as the US sees close contest between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. Harris looks to make history as the first woman and woman of colour US president, while Trump seeks rare re-election amid several lawsuits. As polling draws near, this election is set to mark another turning point for politics in the US.
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US elections always held on first Tuesday of Nov
The tradition of holding federal elections on the first Tuesday in November dates back to 1845. The decision was made by Congress when the US was primarily an agrarian society. By scheduling elections after the autumn harvest, farmers could conveniently travel to polling stations, which were often situated far from their homes. The timing and tradition has remained intact since then.
This tradition has been criticised in recent years as election day does not constitute a federal holiday in the US. However, several states have enacted laws requiring that employees be given a few hours off to vote.
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Kamala Harris looks to make history
The 2020 election saw then-Senator Kamala Harris join Joe Biden’s campaign as the first Black and South Asian woman to be nominated for vice-president by a major national party. Her eventual victory was a landmark achievement, marking the first time a woman of colour held the vice presidential office. Now, as the Democratic nominee for the top position, she may make history once more by potentially becoming US' first female president and the first woman of colour to hold the office.
Harris selected Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate, who could strengthen Harris' campaign with voters in key Midwestern states.
Donald Trump's bid for a comeback
Former President Donald Trump is attempting a rare return to the White House, aiming to reclaim the presidency he lost to Joe Biden in 2020. However, Trump’s path is fraught with unprecedented legal and political obstacles, as he bears the distinction of being the first US president, former or current, to face criminal charges. Despite these controversies, Trump remains a dominant figure within the Republican Party, promising to "Make America Great Again".
Trump has chosen Ohio Senator JD Vance as his running mate. Vance is an outspoken conservative and author, who resonates with rural and working-class voters.
US Presidential Election 2024: Date and time in India
Polling stations across the US will open between 7:00 am and 9:00 am local time on Tuesday, translating to 4:30 pm to 9:30 pm IST (Indian Standard Time), accounting for the different time zones in the country.
Most stations will close between 6:00 pm and midnight eastern time, with results expected to start trickling in once polls begin to close around 6:00 pm Eastern Time (4:30 am Wednesday in India).
US Presidential Election 2024: Exit polls
Exit polls, which help gauge voter sentiment and trends, will be released at 5:00 pm EST (2:30 am IST on November 6).
US Presidential Election 2024: When will results be announced?
While the counting of votes should begin by 4:30 am IST Wednesday, it could take days for the final result to be announced, especially in the case of a tight race. Counting will also include in-mail ballot votes which are already in.
In 2020, the US Presidential elections took place on November 3, but Joe Biden was not declared winner till November 7.
US Presidential Election 2024: Where to watch
The US presidential elections will be covered by all major news networks across the world. Latest updates can also be found on Business Standard website and social media handles.
Harris vs Trump: Who is leading the US Presidential polls?
As of 12 pm, November 4, US national polls show Harris holds a narrow lead over Trump.
New York Times polls:
Harris: 49 per cent
Trump: 48 per cent
FiveThirtyEight:
Harris: 48.1 per cent
Trump: 46.8 per cent
This election could be decided by razor-thin margins in states like Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin. Polls indicate that these states remain highly competitive, with voters divided over key issues and each candidate’s vision for the future. For both Harris and Trump, securing these states is crucial to achieving the 270 electoral votes needed to win the presidency.