US Election 2024: The Guide To The Harris vs. Trump Presidential Race

As the US gears up for the 2024 presidential election on November 5, all eyes are on the race that could shape the future of the country.

While the focus is on electing the next US president, voters will also be casting ballots for members of Congress, whose decisions impact everyday American life.

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When Is the US Presidential Election?

The 2024 US presidential election will take place on Tuesday, November 5. The winner will serve a four-year term beginning in January 2025. While the president holds some power to enact laws, most legislation requires cooperation with Congress. On the international stage, the president has significant authority to represent the US and direct foreign policy.

Who Are the Candidates?

The two major political parties in the US nominate their presidential candidates through a series of primary elections and caucuses across the states.

Republican Party: Former President Donald Trump secured his party's nomination with a decisive lead over his rivals. He chose Ohio Senator JD Vance as his running mate.

Democratic Party: Vice President Kamala Harris entered the race after President Joe Biden opted not to run for re-election. Harris picked Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her vice-presidential candidate.

In addition to the two major party candidates, independent candidates are also running for president. Notably, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a nephew of former President John F. Kennedy, suspended his campaign in August and endorsed Trump.

Key Debates and Tensions

The race is tight, with Harris and Trump neck-and-neck in the polls. Both candidates have clashed during debates, and experts are waiting to see if an "October surprise" - a significant last-minute event - could shift the election.

What Do the Parties Stand For?

Democrats: Known as the liberal party, Democrats emphasize civil rights, social welfare programs, and addressing climate change.

Republicans: The conservative party, also called the GOP (Grand Old Party), supports lower taxes, smaller government, gun rights, and stricter immigration and abortion regulations.

How Does the Election Work?

The US presidential election operates through the Electoral College, not by popular vote. Each state is allocated a certain number of electoral votes based on its population. There are 538 electoral votes in total, and a candidate needs 270 to win. In most states, the candidate who wins the most votes receives all of the state's electoral votes.

Swing states, or battleground states, where the race is competitive, often decide the outcome. It's possible to win the popular vote nationwide, as Hillary Clinton did in 2016, but still lose the presidency through the Electoral College.

Who Can Vote?

Most US citizens aged 18 and older can vote, but they must register before the election. Each state manages its own voter registration process and deadlines. Citizens living abroad can also vote by mail by completing the Federal Post Card Application (FCPA).

What Else Is Being Decided?

In addition to the presidential race, voters will be electing members of Congress. The entire House of Representatives (435 seats) and 34 Senate seats are up for grabs. Congress plays a crucial role in passing laws and can limit the president's agenda if the majority party in either chamber opposes the president.

When Will We Know the Results?

In most elections, the winner is announced on election night. However, as seen in 2020, it can take days to count all the votes. Once the election is decided, the transition period begins, during which a new president prepares for office. The president is sworn in during the inauguration ceremony in January.

As November 5 approaches, this election will be closely watched, with both national and international consequences hanging in the balance.