Kamala Harris vs. Trump: Will it be Trump or Harris? Here we find out the winner | World News

As Americans prepare for the November 5 election, the 2024 presidential race is between Democratic candidate Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump has reached a peak. Both candidates are engaged in an exciting battle for the White House, with opinion polls showing a tight race among the seven key candidates Swing states should decide the outcome. With over 72 million Americans voting early, the stage is set for one of the most dramatic election results in modern U.S. history. However, the final result may not be known for several days, sparking anticipation and uncertainty across the country.
Election night and first results
On Election Day, voting ends at different times depending on the state and the counting of votes begins immediately. Typically, major news networks and agencies like the Associated Press rely on their data models to “call” each state’s result shortly after the polls close. However, given the millions of early and mail-in ballots, many of which require additional time to process, it is possible that a complete picture will not emerge on election night. If one of the candidates wins the decisive 270 Electoral College The winner can be predicted in the November 5th vote or shortly thereafter, but this year's election is expected to stretch into the next few days.
Important swing states to keep an eye on
Seven battleground states – Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Arizona, Nevada, Wisconsin and North Carolina – will play a crucial role in the outcome of the race. These states carry significant weight in the Electoral College and were narrowly divided in the 2020 election. For Trump, taking back these states is crucial, while Harris aims to retain these Democratic strongholds to secure her place in the White House. States like Florida and Ohio, which have leaned Republican in recent elections, could also influence the final result, but the swing states are where both campaigns have focused their final efforts.
Why delays are to be expected
Unlike traditional voting methods, processing mail-in ballots and early voting can add several days to counting. Each state has different rules about when and how these ballots are processed, and heavily contested states will likely see a longer counting period. For example, in 2020, it took four days for the result to be announced because the vote count in Pennsylvania played a crucial role. Given the high voter turnout expected and the tight race, election experts warn that patience may be needed again this year.
To add to the complexity, Trump has already questioned the integrity of the electoral process, particularly in swing states, and cast doubt on mail-in ballots and early voting. He has indicated he could challenge the results if they are not in his favor, which could lead to further delays or litigation after the election.
When will the official winner be announced?
Once individual states have certified their results – usually by mid-to-late November or early December – the Electoral College will officially cast its votes, with Congress scheduled to announce the final result on January 6, 2025. The public perception of the winner varies, but often comes earlier, when the threshold of 270 votes is reached.
For the latest updates, check out our comprehensive guide to the US election:
US presidential election | Trump vs. Kamala Harris