Washington: As the November 5 election approaches, US Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are gearing up for one of the closest races in recent history. With just days left before the polls open, the competition is heating up in key states.
The electoral college explained
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According to the US Constitution, each of the 50 states holds its own vote for president. The Electoral College system allocates electors to each state based on its population. Most states use a winner-take-all approach, giving all electors to the candidate who wins the popular vote. To win the presidency, a candidate needs 270 out of 538 electoral votes. Therefore, swing states—areas that can vote either Democratic or Republican—are crucial in deciding the election.
Key battleground states
This year, seven states are being closely watched, all of which are considered toss-ups. Here’s a look at some of these critical areas:
Pennsylvania
Once a Democratic stronghold, Pennsylvania is now a tight race. Trump won the state by a slim margin in 2016, while Biden claimed victory in 2020. Both candidates have been active here, with Trump appealing to rural voters and Harris focusing on infrastructure and manufacturing investments.
Georgia
Trump faces challenges in Georgia, where he was indicted for election interference, but that case is on hold until after the election. Biden’s victory in Georgia in 2020 was historic, and Harris is trying to attract minority voters to boost her chances.
Michigan
Trump flipped Michigan in 2016, but Biden won it back in 2020 thanks to support from unions and Black voters. This time, Harris may struggle to maintain support from Arab-American voters upset with the Biden administration's foreign policy.
Arizona
In the tightly contested Arizona, Trump hopes to capitalize on frustrations with immigration policies. Harris has also visited the border, promising to address these issues.
Wisconsin
Trump considers Wisconsin winnable after losing it in 2020. While he initially led in the polls, Harris’s campaign has made the race much closer.
Nevada
Nevada has not voted for a Republican since 2004, but Trump is optimistic, especially with his appeal to Hispanic voters. Harris, meanwhile, is focusing on economic plans to regain ground in this key state.
With just days left until the election, both candidates are intensifying their efforts to sway voters in these crucial battlegrounds. As the nation awaits the outcome, every vote will count in this historic election showdown.
Agency
Published: 03 Nov 2024, 07:35 am IST
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