Election Day 2024 Updates: Polls Closing and Key Developments

5 Nov at 7:27 pm

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Election Day 2024 Updates: Polls Closing and Key Developments \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Voters nationwide are casting ballots in a historic election, choosing between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris amid heightened security and logistical challenges. Key battleground states like Florida and Georgia are expected to report early results, potentially revealing trends. Minor disruptions, including bomb threats and technical issues, are being swiftly addressed to keep voting on track.

Election Day 2024 Updates: Quick Looks

Voters nationwide head to the polls in a historic race between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, which will also determine the balance of power in the House and Senate.
Florida and Georgia polls are among the first to close, with early results showing trends in key battleground states.
Notable events include heightened security, reports of technical glitches, and high-profile endorsements, while authorities handle disruptions and alleged foreign threats.

Deep Look

As Election Day unfolds across the United States, voters are flocking to the polls to choose between candidates Donald Trump and Kamala Harris in what many are calling one of the most consequential presidential elections in recent history. The results will shape not only the nation’s future leadership but also determine which party controls the House and Senate. As polls close in several states, early voting tallies and Election Day developments are beginning to emerge.

Key States Closing First and Election Night Reporting Trends

Polls are beginning to close in states across the country, with Florida and Georgia among the first. Florida’s voting results are expected quickly, as the state counts most ballots on election night and has historically wrapped up its counts rapidly. The first Florida results will include early in-person and mailed ballots, which have typically leaned Democratic. However, election experts caution that the trend may not hold this year. Following initial early votes, Florida will start adding Election Day ballots, giving a comprehensive picture by the end of the night.

In Georgia, another major battleground, polls are also closing. Georgia does not register voters by party, making predictions based on early returns challenging. The state will report early votes that may hint at partisan turnout but has seen shifting trends in recent elections.

Poll Closings Across the U.S.

At 7 p.m. EST, polls close in key states, including Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, South Carolina, Vermont, and Virginia. Additionally, states like North Carolina, Ohio, and West Virginia will close polls by 7:30 p.m. EST, with results expected to start rolling in shortly thereafter. These states play crucial roles in determining both the presidential outcome and balance of power in Congress.

Notable Election Day Moments and Statements

In Vermont, Republican Governor Phil Scott drew attention by publicly announcing his vote for Harris. Governor Scott, a Republican, emphasized his commitment to “country over party,” noting that his decision was a tough one, given his position as a Republican governor. Scott had also cast a vote for President Biden in the 2020 election.

Election Day saw a high degree of security measures, particularly in major voting centers. For instance, over a dozen police officers were stationed at Detroit’s Huntington Place, where ballots are counted. Detroit law enforcement implemented metal detectors, bag checks, and barricades around the convention center as part of heightened security measures. Deputy Chief Franklin Hayes affirmed the city’s commitment to ensuring a safe and secure voting process.

In Philadelphia, local officials responded to unsubstantiated claims by Trump alleging “massive cheating.” Trump offered no specifics for his allegations, and Philadelphia election board members, including Republican Seth Bluestein, dismissed the claims as unfounded. Governor Josh Shapiro’s Department of State echoed these reassurances, asserting that Philadelphia and other Pennsylvania counties are running a “safe and secure election.”

Bomb Threats in Atlanta Area and Legal Challenges in Georgia

Several polling places in Georgia’s DeKalb, Fulton, and Gwinnett counties faced temporary shutdowns due to bomb threats reported in the final hours of voting. Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger noted that many of these threats appeared to originate from Russian email domains. Officials in DeKalb County are now seeking court orders to extend voting hours at affected sites, a standard procedure when polling places experience disruptions.

Legal challenges have also emerged in Georgia, with a federal judge dismissing a Republican lawsuit alleging improper handling of absentee ballots. The lawsuit claimed that seven counties broke the law by accepting mail ballots delivered after early voting had ended. U.S. District Judge R. Stan Baker, appointed by Trump, ruled that the ballots were legally accepted and criticized the lawsuit as “frivolous.”

Election-Day Events in Key Battleground States

Arizona saw delays in Apache County due to a technical malfunction in ballot printers, causing long lines and wait times for voters. Officials worked quickly to resolve the issue, though some voters reportedly left without casting their ballots. In Milwaukee, election officials initiated a recount of over 30,000 absentee ballots after a ballot tabulation error was discovered. Milwaukee officials reassured voters that this measure was precautionary and that no ballots had been tampered with.

Celebrity and High-Profile Endorsements, Election Watch Parties

High-profile figures and celebrities, including Ken Jeong, actively supported Harris’s campaign by participating in last-minute phone banking to encourage voter turnout in key states like Pennsylvania, Michigan, and North Carolina. Meanwhile, the Empire State Building in New York City prepared to light up red or blue depending on swing state results as they come in, reflecting key victories in real-time.

NBC News and Peacock viewers can follow election coverage through “Kornacki Cam,” a dedicated feed of political correspondent Steve Kornacki analyzing election results at his big board. This coverage will offer real-time updates throughout the evening as Kornacki breaks down each county’s impact on the national race.

Notable Incidents and Election Missteps

Additional isolated incidents disrupted Election Day operations in various states. In Michigan, a polling place in Northville closed temporarily due to a natural gas leak, with voters redirected to another location. Meanwhile, South Carolina college football coach Dabo Swinney faced an unusual issue when his son’s vote was mistakenly registered under his name, causing confusion at the polls.

International Reactions on U.S. Election Day

The impact of the U.S. election extended beyond its borders as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu chose Election Day to announce the dismissal of Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. Gallant’s firing is reportedly related to criticisms of Netanyahu’s handling of the ongoing conflict in Gaza, and the decision drew immediate international attention.