Washington: In the early hours of Election Day, the small town of Dixville Notch, New Hampshire, kicked off the U.S. presidential voting tradition with a split decision—three votes each for Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. Known for its midnight ballot count since 1960, Dixville Notch’s results often capture the nation’s close race, and this year was no different. The count was completed by 12:15 a.m., mirroring national polls that project a tight contest.
The U.S. presidential race hinges on the electoral college, with 538 votes divided across the states and Washington, D.C. A candidate must win 270 of these votes to secure the presidency. Electoral votes are apportioned by state population, giving California the highest count at 54, followed by Texas with 40, and Florida with 30. Smaller states such as Vermont and Delaware each hold the minimum three votes, highlighting the significant influence larger states can have in determining the race.
This election’s outcome will likely rest in the hands of swing states, which often shift party allegiance and play a decisive role. Among these critical battlegrounds are Nevada, Arizona, North Carolina, Georgia, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Pennsylvania, where fluctuating voter sentiments add unpredictability to the final result.
Vice President Kamala Harris, representing the Democrats, is on track to make history as both the first woman and the first person of Indian heritage to assume the U.S. presidency. In contrast, former President Donald Trump, the Republican candidate, seeks a rare return to the White House, attempting to become the first president in over a century to serve two non-consecutive terms.
Polling data underscores the tight competition, with surveys from major outlets showing Harris and Trump neck and neck. ABC News’ FiveThirtyEight poll shows Harris with a slight edge of 48% to Trump’s 46.9%. Other polls, such as those from NBC News and Emerson College, report a 49%-49% tie, while Ipsos shows Harris at 49%-46% and AtlasIntel gives Trump a 50%-48% lead. This close race has heightened anticipation as the nation awaits the final results, with both candidates locked in one of the most contested elections in recent memory.
