Editorial
The intense election between Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Kamala Harris reached a crucial point on Tuesday, with millions of Americans voting for their preferred leader, marking two very different paths for the country.
This election has been shaped by unusual events, including two assassination attempts on Trump and President Joe Biden unexpectedly stepping out of the race, allowing Harris to rise quickly in popularity. Even with lots of money spent and an active campaign period, the race remains very close as voting begins.
As the first votes were cast, a small town in New Hampshire showed the national split, with the few voters there choosing both Harris and Trump.
On Tuesday morning, voters across the East Coast and Midwest went to polling places. In Raleigh, North Carolina, one voter, Johnny Graves, set up a DJ booth outside to celebrate the occasion with music, while another voter, a nurse named Taylor Grabow, shared her excitement for voting for Harris this time after previously supporting Trump and Biden.
In Asheville, North Carolina, Ginny Buddenberg brought her twin daughters to vote for Trump, citing concerns over political discussions in schools.
Trump has hinted at claiming victory on election night, even if many votes are still being counted, as he did four years ago. He has also stated that any loss would stem from widespread fraud, reflecting his claims from previous elections. If the races in key states are very close, the winner might not be revealed for several days.
Regardless of the outcome, this election is historic. If Harris, 60, wins, she would be the first woman, Black woman, and South Asian American president. If Trump, 78, wins, he would be the first president to serve non-consecutive terms in over a century.
Polls show both candidates are neck and neck in important states. Harris has more support among women, while Trump leads with male voters.
The race showcases a divided nation, with Trump using strong rhetoric and Harris advocating for unity and democracy.
Over 80 million people had voted before Tuesday, either by mail or in person, and polls on the day were orderly. Control of Congress is also up for grabs, with Republicans likely having better chances in the Senate.
During the campaign, Trump criticized Harris for her economic policies, but his approach seemed more focused on energizing his core supporters. He has also made misleading claims about immigrants, while gaining some support among Black and Latino voters.
In contrast, Harris aims to unify a broad group, focusing on women’s rights, especially after recent abortion policy changes. She faces challenges from pro-Palestinian voters regarding U.S. support for Israel.
After Biden dropped out of the race, Harris aimed to highlight Trump’s flaws, seeking the support of younger voters. Trump has tried to counter by aligning with influential figures like Elon Musk.
The voting comes after a chaotic few months in American politics, including Trump being found guilty of financial misconduct and Biden facing criticism over his performance in a debate. Harris’s entry has energized the Democratic Party, raising significant funds and closing the gap in polls.
