Today, Americans vote in the 2024 presidential election, choosing between Democrat Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump. This election also includes votes for Congress, which plays a key role in shaping US laws. The winner will serve a four-year term starting in January 2025.
The Candidates
- Donald Trump, the Republican nominee, is running with Ohio Senator JD Vance as his vice-presidential candidate.
- Kamala Harris, the current Vice President, is the Democratic nominee, with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate.
- Independent candidates, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (who endorsed Trump after withdrawing), are also on the ballot.
How the Election Works
The US uses the Electoral College, where each state is allocated electoral votes based on its congressional representation (two for each senator, plus additional votes for congressional districts). There are 538 total electoral votes, and a candidate needs 270 to win.
Most states have a winner-takes-all system, except Maine and Nebraska, which split their votes by district. The goal is not to win the national popular vote but to secure more electoral votes.
Battleground States
Key swing states like Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin can swing either way, often determining the election outcome.
Unusual Scenarios
- Faithless electors may cast votes contrary to their state’s result.
- If there’s a 269-269 tie, the decision goes to the House of Representatives to choose the president, while the Senate picks the vice president. This could result in a president and vice president from opposing parties.
If the House decides, the vote will occur on January 6, 2025.
