Election Day 2024 Begins: Voters Choose Trump or Harris

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Election Day 2024 Begins: Voters Choose Trump or Harris \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Election Day 2024 is underway as voters head to the polls, casting ballots for presidential candidates Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, as well as determining control of the U.S. House and Senate. Key states prepare for anticipated turnout, while local issues, historic races, and international attention add to the moment’s significance.

U.S. Election Day 2024: Key Moments

Voters cast ballots for Trump or Harris in a historic presidential election.
Races in Minnesota, Arizona, and West Virginia could affect Congress.
Bernie Sanders seeks another Senate term amid policy differences.
Trump and Harris wrap up campaign rallies, focusing on battleground states.
Global interest as Kamala Harris’s ancestral Indian village prays for her win.

Deep Look

Election Day 2024 is here, and voters across the U.S. are heading to the polls to cast their ballots in one of the nation’s most historic presidential elections. Americans are not only choosing between incumbent Donald Trump and challenger Kamala Harris but also determining the future balance of power in Congress. As the polls opened, voters began participating in what could be one of the most consequential elections in recent history, with high turnout anticipated.

Voter Voice: A Momentous Vote for Kamala Harris

In Scranton, Pennsylvania, the excitement of this historic election is palpable. Liza Fortt, a 74-year-old Black woman, arrived at her polling station determined to cast her ballot for Kamala Harris, despite health issues and limited mobility. Fortt, who came in a wheelchair, described her excitement as a moment of profound significance, particularly for her granddaughters, nieces, and future generations. “I was just waiting for this day to come,” she expressed. Voting for Harris, a Black woman vying for the presidency, Fortt said, “It means a lot to me… I’m proud to see a woman, not only a woman, but a Black woman, running for president.”

Precautions and Trump’s Presence at Palm Beach Polling Station

In Palm Beach, Florida, heavy security was visible at precinct 5604, where former President Trump was expected to cast his ballot later in the day. Secret Service agents and local law enforcement coordinated around the location, using the same entrance path as voters. Despite the heightened presence, lines continued smoothly with steady early morning turnout.

Key Congressional Races in Minnesota’s Swing Districts

Minnesota’s tight congressional races are also drawing attention. Democratic U.S. Rep. Angie Craig is seeking her fourth term in a close battle against Republican Joe Teirab in the 2nd District. In the 3rd District, Democratic candidate Kelly Morrison hopes to retain the seat left open by Democratic Rep. Dean Phillips, facing Tad Jude, a seasoned Republican with a long political history in Minnesota. The outcomes in these districts, known for their mix of suburban and rural Republican-leaning voters, could affect the House’s overall balance.

Missouri and Federal Election Oversight

In St. Louis, Missouri, a federal judge ruled against Missouri’s attempt to block federal election observers from polling places. The case revolved around a 2021 settlement with the St. Louis Board of Elections aimed at ensuring accessibility for voters with disabilities. Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft argued that federal monitors interfered with state-run elections, but U.S. District Judge Sarah Pitlyk sided with the federal government, emphasizing the importance of enforcing the Americans with Disabilities Act to ensure accessible voting environments.

Bernie Sanders Aims for a Fourth Term in Vermont

Senator Bernie Sanders, the Vermont Independent and progressive icon, is seeking a fourth term in the U.S. Senate. Known for his democratic socialist views, Sanders has maintained significant influence, often collaborating with the Biden administration on policies such as healthcare, education, and workers’ rights. Sanders’ opponent, Republican Gerald Malloy, questions Sanders’ effectiveness, arguing that after 34 years in Congress, Sanders should retire. However, Sanders sees his continued service as essential, given the country’s ongoing challenges like income inequality, climate change, and the erosion of democratic norms.

Record Early Voting in Florida

In Florida, the majority of registered voters cast their ballots before Election Day, a trend facilitated by early in-person and mail-in voting. This year’s election saw an increase in early voter participation, with officials reporting brisk traffic at polling stations across the state. In Orange County, more than 4,700 voters turned out within the first 20 minutes after polls opened, demonstrating high early enthusiasm.

Attorneys General Emphasize Peaceful Voting Environment

A coalition of 47 state attorneys general released a statement on Election Day calling for a peaceful election process and condemning any threats of violence or interference. The statement, endorsed by attorneys general from 47 states and three U.S. territories, emphasized respecting the democratic process. Memories of the Capitol riots on January 6, 2021, and recent campaign rhetoric underscore concerns for potential unrest, especially as former President Trump has celebrated supporters involved in the Capitol incident.

Trump and Harris Conclude Campaigns in Swing States

Both candidates spent the final day before Election Day campaigning in crucial states. Trump held his final rally in Michigan, a critical swing state, while Harris closed out her campaign in Pennsylvania with high-profile supporters including Oprah Winfrey, Lady Gaga, and Ricky Martin. Each rally drew large, energized crowds, as the candidates made last-minute appeals to undecided voters.

DC Prepares for Potential Election-Related Protests

Washington, D.C., is preparing for potential unrest as Election Day progresses. Businesses near the White House boarded up windows, and city officials added extra security in high-traffic areas. Mayor Muriel Bowser reassured residents that the city was prepared for any Election Day-related disruptions, while Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith emphasized her department’s readiness to protect the city’s residents and visitors.

Harris’s Ancestral Village in India Offers Prayers for Her Win

Thousands of miles from the U.S., the small South Indian village of Thulasendrapuram, where Harris’s maternal ancestors hail from, held ceremonies to pray for her success. The village displayed banners with her image and offered traditional prayers, with villagers gathering to show support for the candidate they consider a local hero. As Harris contends for the presidency, the village hopes for her historic win, seeing it as a symbolic success for their own community.

Rematch for Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District

In Nebraska’s competitive 2nd District, a rematch between Republican Don Bacon and Democratic challenger Tony Vargas has drawn attention. This swing district, which includes Omaha, has a history of backing Democratic presidential candidates in a state otherwise dominated by Republicans. Bacon narrowly won in 2022, and both candidates are once again presenting themselves as pragmatic leaders who prioritize problem-solving over party loyalty. The result could impact Nebraska’s single Electoral College vote tied to the district.

Boebert’s Controversial Move in Colorado

In Colorado, Republican Rep. Lauren Boebert faces scrutiny after switching districts mid-campaign. Facing a tight race in her original district, Boebert joined the race for Colorado’s 4th Congressional District, a more conservative area. Known for her close ties to Trump and for generating controversy, Boebert argues her move strengthens GOP chances, while critics accuse her of abandoning her previous constituents.

Key Senate Race in Arizona

In Arizona, Democratic Rep. Ruben Gallego is challenging Republican Kari Lake, a Trump ally and former TV anchor, for the U.S. Senate. The race, which could tip the balance of the Senate, tests the strength of Arizona’s Democratic coalition against Lake’s appeal to conservative voters. The winner will replace Senator Kyrsten Sinema, who previously ran as a Democrat but now serves as an independent.