Mumbai, October 28: The United States will hold its Presidential Election on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, allowing eligible citizens aged 18 and older to cast their votes. The elected president will assume office in January 2025, serving a four-year term in the White House. In addition to selecting the nation’s leader, voters will also elect new members of Congress, responsible for shaping legislation and policy.

The 2024 U.S. presidential election marks the 60th occurrence of the nation’s quadrennial election cycle. Scheduled for November, this general election follows an indirect voting system. Citizens cast ballots not directly for the president and vice president but for a group of Electoral College representatives. These electors then formally decide the election outcome by selecting the next president and vice president. US Presidential Elections 2024: Donald Trump Arrives in New York for Final Campaign Rally at Madison Square Garden.

When Is the US Presidential Election?

The 2024 U.S. presidential election will take place on Tuesday, November 5, with the elected candidate beginning a four-year term in the White House starting in January 2025. In-person voting began on September 20, marking the start of a six-week lead-up to Election Day after a turbulent summer in American politics. Seventeen states and the District of Columbia will accept postal votes postmarked by Election Day until November 25. On December 11, electors from each state will officially cast their votes for president and vice president, finalizing the election outcome. US Presidential Elections 2024: Donald Trump Endorsed by Muslim, Arab-American Leaders at Campaign Rally in Novi (Watch Video).

When Will US Election Results Be Declared? 

Typically, the winner of the U.S. presidential election is announced on election night; however, given the complexities of vote counting, this isn’t always possible. In 2020, results took several days to finalise, largely due to a surge in mail-in and absentee ballots.

This year, with a tight race anticipated between Democrat Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump, results might again be delayed. Many battleground states allow absentee and mail ballots postmarked by November 5 to be counted days after Election Day, potentially causing results to shift over time. As election officials strive for transparency, the final outcome may not be immediately known, especially in close races, with updates likely continuing into the days or even weeks following November 5.

Who Are Key Candidates for the US Presidential Election?

The two major U.S. political parties select their presidential nominees through a series of state primaries and caucuses, where voters decide who will lead their party into the general election. In the Republican race, former President Donald Trump emerged as the nominee with overwhelming support, officially securing his position at the party’s convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Trump selected Ohio Senator JD Vance as his vice-presidential running mate.

On the Democratic side, Vice President Kamala Harris entered the race after President Joe Biden opted not to run, and she faced no opposition within her party. Harris chose Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate. Several independent candidates are also in the race. Among them was Robert F. Kennedy Jr., nephew of former President John F. Kennedy, though he ended his campaign in late August and endorsed Trump.

What Are the Candidates’ Promises to Voters?

Donald Trump has promised to "end inflation and make America affordable again." He argues that expanding oil drilling will lower energy prices and pledges to reduce interest rates, though this is not something a president can directly control. Additionally, Trump contends that deporting undocumented immigrants will alleviate pressure on the housing market. However, economists warn that his proposal to raise import taxes might lead to higher overall prices.

Kamala Harris has emphasized that her top priority from the outset will be to reduce food and housing costs for working families. Her strategy includes banning price-gouging on groceries, supporting first-time homebuyers, and providing incentives to increase the housing supply.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 28, 2024 02:13 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).