US election 2024: Trump or Harris? Here’s how Americans elect president

With the United States of America presidential election set for November 5, interest is growing in how the election process works, as the race between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris remains tight.

With less than 12 hours to go and over 77.6 million votes already cast, polls show Harris leading among early voters in key battleground states, holding an 8% advantage among those who have already voted. Trump, however, has an edge among voters likely to turn out on Election Day.

A poll by the New York Times and Siena College indicates Harris holds a slight lead in three swing states, Trump leads in one, and three states remain too close to call.

Here’s a breakdown of the process.

The Electoral College System

In the United States of America, citizens don’t directly choose the president. Instead, their votes contribute to the outcome through a body known as the Electoral College. Each state has a set number of “electors” based on its representation in Congress. This means a state’s electoral votes are determined by its number of House Representatives (varied by population) plus its two Senators. With 538 electors in total, a candidate needs a majority—270 votes—to win.

This system can produce unexpected results. There have been five cases (1824, 1876, 1888, 2000, and 2016) where the candidate who won the most votes nationwide didn’t win the presidency. Such outcomes occur because of how electoral votes are awarded, typically on a “winner-takes-all” basis in each state.

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The Role of Battleground States

U.S. presidential candidates focus heavily on battleground or “swing” states, which have a history of voting for either major party. Winning enough of these key states is essential, as even a narrow victory in these areas can contribute substantially to a candidate’s total electoral vote count.

What Happens if No Candidate Wins 270 Votes?

If neither candidate achieves a majority of 270 votes, the U.S. Constitution prescribes a contingency plan. The House of Representatives would choose the president, with each state delegation having one vote. This rarely happens but remains a possibility in exceptionally close elections.

Early Voting and Its Significance

Early voting has become a significant factor, with millions of Americans casting ballots by mail or in-person before Election Day. This can help avoid long lines and ensure participation even if unexpected events arise.

As Election Day on November 5 approaches, the stakes remain high. While the candidate with the most votes might not necessarily become president, the one who secures 270 or more electoral votes will be declared the winner—an outcome eagerly awaited by the U.S. and the world.