As Election Day unfolds in the United States, over 244 million eligible voters are faced with a significant choice: selecting between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris in a highly competitive presidential race. The 2024 election has been marked by an array of unexpected events, including attempted attacks, a last-minute candidate change, and intense debate about the nation’s future. As a result, both candidates find themselves in a tense face-off, reflecting the deep divisions within the country.
Key Election Updates:
Insight from Former Indian Ambassador: Arun Kumar Singh, India’s former Ambassador to the US, drew parallels between the current race and the elections of 2016 and 2020, noting Trump’s focus on issues around perceived American decline and immigration, which he believes resonate with many voters.
Google’s Call for Neutrality: In a message to Google employees, CEO Sundar Pichai emphasized the company’s role as a neutral and reliable source of information during the election period, aiming to remain credible and unbiased no matter the outcome.
Bernie Sanders’ Senate Run: Independent Senator Bernie Sanders, known for his progressive stance, is seeking a fourth term in the Senate, continuing to advocate for key domestic policies, including healthcare and workers’ rights.
Public Endorsements and Support: American singer Mary Millben expressed support for Trump, citing his growing popularity across various demographics and the importance of swing states like Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Arizona in determining the election’s outcome.
Harris’s Ancestral Village in Tamil Nadu: As a gesture of support, residents in Kamala Harris’s ancestral village in India performed a special ritual, praying for her success. Community leaders are planning a celebration if Harris is victorious.
Early Poll Closures and Results Timing: Voting officially began earlier in the day, and the first round of poll closures will begin at 7 pm ET. Small states are expected to report results relatively quickly, though delays may occur in battleground states, especially if margins are tight.
Celebrity Endorsements: Several prominent figures in the entertainment industry publicly endorsed Kamala Harris, showing their support for her policies and vision.
Dixville Notch Ties in First Vote: The small New Hampshire town of Dixville Notch, which traditionally votes first in US elections, reported a tie with three votes each for Harris and Trump in a symbolic early result.
Record Early Voting Numbers: Over 82 million Americans had already cast their votes before Election Day, a significant turnout fueled by both parties’ strong campaigns for early voting.
Trump’s Potential Victory Declaration: Trump’s campaign indicated he might declare victory if he leads on election night, despite the likelihood that many mail-in ballots may still need counting, echoing a strategy he employed in 2020.
Stay tuned as the votes come in and results begin to unfold across the nation in what promises to be a
historic election night.
