The US presidential election, is stirring up emotions all over the world. No wonder – after all, it is about who will rule one of the biggest global powers for the next four years. Get the key facts and find out how Americans are voting! We cover the rules, dates, polls, candidates, trivia and much more!
US presidential election – an exciting duel for the Oval Office
Every four years, the US presidential election makes headlines in the media around the world. Residents from all corners of the globe are curious to see who the Americans will bet on this time. No wonder – every election will have certain consequences not only overseas, but also in Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
The US presidential election is intriguing not only because of the duel candidates themselves. Equally interesting are the polls, the specific voting system, the debates and the conduct of the election itself. Read on to find out the most important information and interesting facts about the US elections – knowledge in a nutshell!
When is the 2024 US presidential election?
For many years, the popular vote was held in early November. This time will be no different. The official date for the US presidential election is 5 November 2024. On that day, eligible Americans, who number approx. On that day, eligible Americans, who number around240 million, will go to the polls and make their decision.
In keeping with tradition, the event will take place not on Sunday but on Tuesday.
Donald Trump versus Kamala Harris – who are the main candidates for US president in 2024?
Although there will be other politicians in the race for the head of state, all attention is, as always, focused on the candidates of the Democratic and Republican parties. The leading figures in this year’s election are Kamala Harris – the current Vice President – and Donald Trump, who held the office of President of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
As recently as the beginning of July 2024, the former head of state’s rival for another term was current President Joe Biden. However, the 81-year-old, who belongs to the Democratic Party, dropped out three and a half months before the election, explaining his decision in the interests of his party and the country.
Trump, a Republican representative and former president, is the more conservative option. He can count on votes primarily in states such as Texas, Montana, Idaho, Alabama, Kentucky and Kansas.
Harris, on the other hand, who represents the Democrats, currently serves as the US vice-president. A victory in the election would make her the first woman ever to serve as head of the United States. The 60-year-old would be the top vote-getter in states such as California, New York, Washington, Illinois or Hawaii.
US election polls – who will win the 2024 election?
When it was announced that Donald Trump’s rival would be Kamala Harris, the 78-year-old was probably leading in the polls. His support was bolstered not only by his swagger with the Democrats, but also by the failed attempt on his life on 13 July. In the months that followed, however, the candidates’ positions changed dynamically and Harris managed to come out on top.
The latest Ipsos poll from 16 October shows that 45% of Americans will vote for the 60-year-old and 42% for her rival, who is 18 years older. The Democratic candidate’s lead is within statistical error, meaning that it is difficult at this point to identify a favourite to win.
What is certain, however, is that this year’s US presidential election is more emotional for Americans than the one in 2020. As many as 78% of those surveyed say they are absolutely certain of casting their vote on 5 November – four years ago, the figure was 74%.
What does the US presidential election look like? Unusual rules and voting system
The voting system for the US presidential election is somewhat unusual and results in the winner being the person who receives fewer popular votes than his or her rival. Such a situation has happened as many as five times in history – most recently in 2016, when Hillary Clinton lost the battle against Donald Trump, although she was supported by nearly three million more people.
What is the point? The 50 states and the District of Columbia are voting in the Event. However, presidential elections in the United States are indirect in nature. This means that citizens cast votes for their favourites, but the final decision is made by the electors.
In simple terms, if, after counting the popular votes from a state, it turns out that a Republican representative has won that state, the electors of the Electoral College representing that state must cast all their votes for that particular candidate. In the end, the candidate for whom more electors vote is elected president.
Each state has at least three such representatives. Their number varies according to the number of inhabitants. Alaska, for example, has three electoral votes, while California has as many as 54. No matter how small the difference in the popular vote, the winner in a state receives the support of all the electors.
Swing states, i.e. the states that decide the election results
Past US presidential election results make it possible to assume with almost 100 per cent certainty in which states a candidate will win. However, there are also swing states in which the decision of the citizens will depend on the prevailing public mood.
It is these states that will determine who will take office as President of the United States between 2025 and 2029. The candidates’ election campaigns focus on convincing the people of these states alone.
Controversy over the US voting system
Indirect elections, entrusting one’s votes to electors, the ‘winner takes all’ principle – all of this raises many doubts among Americans. For many years there have been claims that the system is outdated and should be changed.
This is because it leads to a situation in which the votes of millions of democrats in republican states and vice versa cease to have any meaning. Many voters may then feel that participation in elections is unnecessary and that their opinion is completely irrelevant.
Summary
Who will receive the most trust among the American people and live in the White House in Washington between 2025 and 2029 will probably be found out on the morning of 6 November 2024.
Of course, the final decision will be made by the electors at the College in December. However, there is no way that they will not support the candidate that the people have indicated to them. Otherwise they will face very severe penalties.
US presidential election – FAQ
Interested in upcoming events from the country with its capital in Washington DC? Find out the answers to the most frequently asked questions!
US presidential elections every how many years?
Presidential elections in the US, starting in 1788, have been held regularly every four years. Each president can remain in office for two terms, or eight years.
When is the US presidential election?
The US election will take place on 5 November 2024, which is when citizens will vote for their favourite in the popular vote. In turn, the Electoral College, which makes the final selection, will hold its vote in December.
What is the turnout for the US presidential election?
Turnout in US presidential elections in the 21st century regularly hovers around 60%. A record was set in 2020, when a staggering 66.8 per cent of eligible voters cast a vote for their favourite (data prior to the 2024 election).