As Americans vote in the tight 2024 U.S. presidential race between Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Kamala Harris, national polls indicate a near tie. Voter turnout is surging, with razor-thin margins in key battleground states likely to determine the next president.
Both candidates have taken to social media to encourage voting. Harris, in a message posted on X, urged Americans to “make your voice heard.” Trump, reiterating his signature call to “Make America Great Again,” encouraged supporters to stay in line to vote, no matter the wait.
Republican Vice Presidential candidate JD Vance voted early in Ohio, highlighting the high stakes. Trump cast his vote in Palm Beach, Florida, accompanied by his family, and expressed confidence, stating, “We have a great country, but it’s in trouble. I’m confident we’ll fix it.”
In the battleground states, Harris holds a slight edge in Pennsylvania, while Trump has narrow leads in Nevada, Georgia, North Carolina, and Arizona. Harris leads by small margins in Wisconsin and Michigan.
Turnout is notably high in swing states like Florida, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Georgia, and Arizona, leading to long lines and technical delays in places like North Carolina. Pennsylvania’s Cambria County has requested extended voting hours due to software issues affecting machines.
Meanwhile, two polling stations in Fulton County, Georgia, were briefly evacuated due to a bomb threat, later determined to be a false alarm, with voting hours extended to compensate.
As per tradition, Dixville Notch in New Hampshire cast the first ballots of Election Day, with Trump and Harris each receiving three votes.
Trump commented on election integrity, stating he would accept the results if the election is “fair,” though he didn’t define specific conditions for fairness. He also declined to address how he would handle potential unrest if he loses.
Election results are expected to begin rolling in early Wednesday, Pakistan Standard Time, though a definitive outcome may be delayed due to close calls in swing states and high early voting numbers.
