USA: Election night continues here

Election night in the United States is a highly significant event that attracts both national and international attention. On November 5, 2024, American citizens went to the polls to elect the next president, in a race that pits Democrat Kamala Harris against Republican Donald Trump.

The electoral process in the United States is full of peculiarities that make it specialHere are some interesting facts and trivia about the US presidential election:

1. Electoral College System:
Unlike many countries that elect their president by direct popular vote, the United States uses the Electoral College. Each state has a set number of electors, based on its representation in Congress (sum of senators and representatives). To win the presidency, a candidate needs at least 270 of the 538 electoral votes available.

2. Popular Vote vs. Electoral Vote:
There have been times in history where a candidate has won the popular vote but lost the Electoral College. This occurred in the elections of 1824, 1876, 1888, 2000 and 2016.

3. Swing States:
Some states have no defined political leaning and can lean toward either party in a given election. These “swing states” include Florida, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, and are often the main focus of campaigns due to their ability to decide the election outcome.

4. Early and Mail-in Voting:
In recent decades, the practice of early and mail-in voting has increased. In 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 60% of votes were cast before Election Day.

5. First Results in Dixville Notch:
The small town of Dixville Notch, New Hampshire, is known for being the first to report election results. Since 1960, its few inhabitants vote just after midnight, and the results are announced minutes later. This 2024 has resulted in a 50% – 50% tie (3 votes for each candidate).

6. Electoral Participation:
Voter turnout in the United States varies significantly between elections. In 2020, a record turnout of approximately 66.8% of the electorate was recorded, the highest in more than a century.

7. Elections on Tuesday:
Federal elections in the United States are held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. This tradition dates back to 1845 and was established to accommodate rural voters by allowing them to travel without interfering with the religious Sabbath (Sunday) or market day (Wednesday).

8. Vote of the Territories:
U.S. territories such as Puerto Rico and Guam do not have the right to vote in presidential elections, even though their residents are U.S. citizens. They do, however, participate in party primaries.

9. Vote Count and Official Results:
Although media outlets typically project a winner on election night, official results can take days or weeks to be confirmed, especially if there are recounts or legal disputes.

10. Age and Voting Requirements:
Most states allow citizens 18 years of age or older to vote. However, some states allow 17-year-olds to vote in primaries if they will turn 18 before the general election.

Closing times of polling stations

Closing times for polling stations vary widely by state, and these times are crucial to understanding the progress of the count. Some states like Indiana and Kentucky, with 11 and 8 electoral votes respectively, close their polls at midnight. in Spanish peninsular time, so they are among the first to offer preliminary results. Virginia and Georgia, two states that have shown changing trends in the past, close at 1:00 a.m., while North Carolina, which provides 16 electoral votes, closes its polls at 1:30 a.m.These first conclusions allow us to have a first reading on the direction of the contest.

As the hours go by, other states such as Ohio and Pennsylvania, with 17 and 19 electoral votes respectively, close at 2:00 a.m. Spanish time. These states, especially Pennsylvania, are closely watched. due to their potential impact on the outcome of the election, since they are usually disputed and their result can make the difference between the candidates. At that same time they also close in states such as Michigan, with 15 votes electoral, and others like Illinois and New Jersey, which, although traditionally lean Democratic, contribute a significant number of votes to the Electoral College.

In the final closing strip, states with great electoral weight stand out, such as California and Texas, with 54 and 40 votes respectively, close their polls at 5:00 and 3:00 Spanish peninsular time. California, in particular, represents the state with the largest number of electoral votes and tends to lean Democratic, consolidating its importance in the final stretch of the count. On the other hand, states on the West Coast such as Oregon and Washington also close at 5:00, while Alaska, which closes at 6:00, and Hawaii, which closes at 7:00, complete the closing map at the later end of the election day. These times allow that, in the early hours of the morning in Spain, there is already a clear vision of the possible outcome of the election in the United States.

Key States to Watch

In the American electoral system, certain states, known as “swing states,” can tip the balance in favor of one candidate or another due to their variable voting history. For these elections, key states include:

• PennsylvaniaWith 19 electoral votes, it has been decisive in previous elections.
• Georgia: It grants 16 electoral votes and has shown changing trends in recent electoral cycles.
• ArizonaWith 11 electoral votes, it has emerged as a competitive state in recent elections.
• Wisconsin: It provides 10 electoral votes and has been the scene of intense campaigns by both parties.
• MichiganWith 15 electoral votes, the outcome is often unpredictable.
• Nevada: It grants 6 electoral votes and has been the focus of attention due to its growing population and diversity.
• North CarolinaWith 16 electoral votes, it is another state where the competition is tight.

Things to keep in mind during this election night

Preliminary results: As polling stations close, media outlets begin reporting preliminary results based on exit polls and initial counts. However, these data can vary and do not always reflect the final result.

Processing mail-in ballots: In some states, processing and counting of mail-in ballots may be delayed, which could delay the declaration of a clear winner.

Litigation and recounts: If results are very close in certain states, recounts may be requested or legal disputes may arise that may delay confirmation of the final result.

Counties that may hold the key

Certain counties in key states play a decisive role in the final result due to their influence and historical trends. Below are some of the most relevant counties to follow:

Saginaw, Michigan

Located in central Michigan, Saginaw County has historically been an indicator of the state's electoral preferences. With a diverse population and a mix of urban and rural areas, its results may reflect broader trends in Michigan. In past elections, Saginaw has shown swings in its support for Democratic and Republican candidates, making it a county to watch closely.

Erie, Pennsylvania

Located in northwestern Pennsylvania, Erie County is known for his swing character. In 2016, he supported the Republican candidate, while in 2020 he leaned towards the Democrat. This ability to shift preferences between elections makes it an essential barometer for anticipating voting behavior in Pennsylvania, a state with 19 electoral votes at stake.

Mecklenburg, North Carolina

Mecklenburg, which includes the city of Charlotte, It is the most populous county in North Carolina. With a growing urban and suburban population, it has shown a trend toward Democratic candidates. in recent elections. However, their influence is significant, and the margins of victory in this county can impact the statewide outcome, especially in a close race.

Metro Atlanta, Georgia

The Atlanta metropolitan region encompasses several counties, including Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, and Gwinnett. This area has experienced significant population growth and a diversification of its electorate. In recent elections, he has shown a leaning toward Democratic candidates, contributing to changes in the political dynamics of Georgia, which grants 16 electoral votes.

Miami-Dade, Florida

As Florida's most populous county, Miami-Dade is a Democratic stronghold, but with nuances. The diversity of its population, especially the Cuban-American community, can influence the electoral resultsA strong showing by a candidate in Miami-Dade is crucial to securing an advantage in Florida, a state with 29 electoral votes and known for its narrow margins.

Clark, Nevada

Home of Las Vegas, Clark County It concentrates the majority of Nevada's population. It has traditionally favored Democratic candidates, but margins of victory can vary. Since Nevada has six electoral votes, performance in Clark is essential for any candidate hoping to win the state.

Maricopa, AZ

Maricopa, which includes Phoenix, It is the largest county in Arizona and represents a significant portion of its electorate. Historically Republican, has shown more competitive tendencies in recent elections. The result in Maricopa could be decisive in determining the winner of Arizona, which provides 11 electoral votes.

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