The 2024 US presidential election is set for Tuesday, November 5, 2024. This pivotal event will determine not only the next president but also members of Congress, who play a crucial role in shaping American laws and policies.
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When is the Election?
On November 5, 2024, Americans will cast their votes. The winning candidate will serve a four-year term beginning in January 2025. While the president can enact some laws independently, most legislation requires collaboration with Congress. Moreover, the president represents the US internationally and sets foreign policy.
Candidates and their nominations
The major political parties nominate their presidential candidates through state primaries and caucuses. In the Republican Party, former President Donald Trump emerged as the frontrunner, securing his nomination at a convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He selected Ohio Senator JD Vance as his running mate.
On the Democratic side, Vice President Kamala Harris is running following President Joe Biden’s withdrawal. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is her chosen vice-presidential candidate. Independent candidates, such as Robert F. Kennedy Jr., have also made headlines, although Kennedy suspended his campaign and endorsed Trump in August.
Political platforms
Democrats advocate for liberal policies focused on civil rights, social safety nets, and climate change initiatives. In contrast, the Republican Party, often called the GOP, promotes conservative values such as lower taxes, limited government, gun rights, and stricter immigration and abortion policies.
The electoral process
The US presidential election does not simply go to the candidate with the most popular votes. Instead, candidates compete in 50 states for electoral college votes, totaling 538. A candidate needs at least 270 votes to win. Most states follow a winner-takes-all approach, awarding all electoral votes to the candidate with the highest vote count in that state.
Battleground states are key, as they can swing either way, influencing the election’s outcome. It’s crucial to note that a candidate can win the national popular vote but still lose the election, as demonstrated by Hillary Clinton in 2016.
Voting eligibility and registration
Most US citizens aged 18 and older can vote, but registration requirements vary by state. Every state, except North Dakota, mandates voter registration, and citizens living abroad can request absentee ballots through the Federal Post Card Application (FCPA).
Additional elections in November
Alongside the presidential vote, Americans will elect new members of Congress. All 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 34 Senate seats are up for grabs. Currently, Republicans control the House, while Democrats lead the Senate. These chambers play vital roles in lawmaking and can check presidential powers.
Election night and transition
Typically, the election winner is announced on the night of the election. However, delays in counting votes, as seen in 2020, can occur. The period following the election, known as the transition, allows the incoming administration to prepare for office. The president is officially inaugurated in January during a ceremony at the Capitol in Washington, DC.
Read also: A quick guide to Kamala Harris: From vice-president to potential president
