The U.S. presidential election on November 5, 2024, is shaping up to be a fiercely competitive event. The main contenders are Democratic candidate Kamala Harris and Republican candidate Donald Trump, with recent polls by CNN showing both candidates at a dead heat of 47% support each among likely voters. This close race has sparked intense interest and speculation across the country as Americans await the final outcome.
Electoral College's Role
Unlike direct popular voting systems, the U.S. president is elected through the Electoral College, a body of 538 electors. To win the presidency, a candidate must secure at least 270 electoral votes. This system often makes the race even more suspenseful, as winning key battleground states can make or break a candidate's path to victory.
Campaign Dynamics
Both Harris and Trump have intensified their campaign efforts, aiming to sway undecided voters. Kamala Harris has labeled Trump a "fascist" in her recent campaign speeches, a comment that has stirred debate and added a charged atmosphere to the final stretch of the race. Each candidate is striving to appeal to critical voter bases in swing states to secure the necessary electoral votes.
Electoral Process and Eligibility
According to the U.S. Constitution, presidential candidates must meet three criteria: they must be a natural-born U.S. citizen, at least 35 years old, and have lived in the U.S. for a minimum of 14 years. These criteria ensure that candidates are deeply connected to the country they aim to lead.
Election Security Concerns
Concerns around election security are rising as conspiracy theories and threats have emerged, challenging election integrity. Law enforcement agencies and the Election Commission are closely monitoring these issues, emphasizing that robust measures are in place to protect the election process and uphold democratic standards.
As the 2024 election day approaches, the competition between Harris and Trump is at a peak, highlighting the polarized political landscape in the U.S.