- Harris and Trump held final rallies in Pennsylvania, a crucial swing state, as polls show a tight race nationwide
- Over 78 million early votes were cast, with both candidates focusing on key issues like immigration, economy, and abortion rights
As Americans cast their votes today, rivals Kamala Harris and Donald Trump campaigned intensely in key battleground states, including Pennsylvania, in one of the most competitive and unpredictable U.S. presidential elections in recent memory.
Trump, the Republican candidate, aims for a dramatic return to the White House, while Harris, the Democratic candidate, hopes to make history as the first female president. Both candidates ended their campaigns with rallies in Pennsylvania, the most significant swing state in the Electoral College.
Despite high early turnout, with over 78 million votes cast before Election Day, national and swing state polls show a close race. Trump has drawn support for his focus on immigration and economic policies, while Harris has leaned on issues like abortion rights to attract women voters.
Both candidates crisscrossed swing states with packed rallies. Harris even made a guest appearance on “Saturday Night Live,” while Trump told supporters in Georgia, “Kamala – you’re fired, get out.”
Trump suggested he “shouldn’t have left” the White House after losing in 2020 and alluded to his attempt to challenge the election results in January 2021, leading to fears that he might not concede defeat this time.
Harris, meanwhile, addressed a rally in Michigan, stating, “We have momentum – it’s on our side.” She appealed to Michigan’s Arab-American community by promising efforts to end the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Globally, leaders are watching this election closely, as its outcome could impact conflicts in the Middle East and Russia’s war in Ukraine.
High-profile endorsements have also shaped the race, with Elon Musk supporting Trump and former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama endorsing Harris.
Khuraira Musa, a Nigerian-American Democratic voter, expressed concern about Trump’s “Project 2025” and its potential impact on Black communities, immigrants, climate change, and women. She joined other Democratic volunteers helping voters reach polling stations in battleground states.
In NBC polls, Trump leads Harris by two points in a scenario with high turnout from men, white voters, and non-college graduates.
However, Harris has a slight lead in scenarios where women, college-educated white voters, and people of colour turn out in large numbers. Musa emphasized that Trump’s Black voter support has dropped from 12% in 2020 to 9%, while Harris holds 87% of the Black vote.
Musa also highlighted the candidates’ differing immigration policies. Trump’s agenda includes mass deportations, which could affect undocumented Africans in the U.S., while Harris advocates for a pathway to citizenship for long-term residents without criminal records.
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