In a landmark election, American voters are heading to the polls today to decide who will lead the country as its 47th president. It’s a historic moment, with Vice President Kamala Harris from the Democratic Party running against former President Donald Trump of the Republican Party. If Kamala Harris wins, she will make history as the first female President of the United States. A Trump victory, on the other hand, would mark a rare comeback, as he would be the first president in modern American history to return to office after an electoral defeat.
With over 75 million votes already cast through early voting and postal ballots—amounting to about 37% of registered voters—turnout is projected to be high, with approximately 60% of eligible voters expected to participate by the end of today. Polls close at 7 pm (Indian time 4:30 am on November 6), and vote counting will begin immediately afterward.
Anticipating the Results: When Will We Know?
While results traditionally come within a day of voting, the 2020 election saw a four-day delay due to the high volume of mail-in ballots during the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, with fewer mail-in votes, election officials anticipate a quicker count, though a final declaration could take 1 to 2 days, depending on the margins in key states. If the margin between the two candidates is large enough, results could be confirmed sooner. However, if the margin is narrow, a recount may be required to confirm the winner.
The Key Issues: Immigration and Abortion
This election cycle has centered on two pivotal issues: immigration and abortion rights, both divisive and impactful topics with widespread implications.
- Immigration: Immigration has long been a contentious issue in U.S. politics. The country has seen a significant influx of immigrants, with over 14 million people moving to the U.S. between 2000 and 2010 alone. Out of these, around one million immigrants obtained U.S. citizenship, hailing from countries like China, India, Mexico, and the Philippines. Donald Trump has adopted a hardline stance, pledging to impose stricter penalties for immigrants who commit violent crimes. His controversial comments, referring to some immigrants as “demons” and “animals,” have intensified the debate over border security and immigration reform.
- Abortion: Abortion rights remain a hot-button issue in American politics. After the landmark Roe v. Wade decision in 1973 that legalized abortion, the battle over access to abortion has continued, with hundreds of restrictions enacted in the past decades. The issue has polarized American voters, with pro-choice and pro-life movements vying for influence in shaping national policy. As the Supreme Court continues to review and occasionally overturn longstanding precedents, the right to abortion remains at the center of heated political and societal debates.
A Two-Party Tradition and Its Legacy
Since 1856, America has seen the Republican and Democratic parties dominate its political landscape, having contested 42 presidential elections between them. Republicans have won 24 of these, while Democrats have taken 18 victories. The past six elections have been evenly split between the two, a testament to the polarized political environment in the U.S.
Today’s election is not only a choice between two leaders but a referendum on issues that will shape the future of the United States. Whether Kamala Harris or Donald Trump emerges victorious, this election marks a pivotal moment in the history of American democracy. Voters and the world alike wait in anticipation, knowing that, by tomorrow, the 47th president will be decided.