As the United States approaches the 2024 presidential election, candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are intensifying their campaigns in key battleground states, where outcomes remain uncertain, especially in crucial areas. swing states.
When is the US election date and why?
The presidential elections are scheduled for Tuesday, November 5, 2024.
Federal elections take place on the first Tuesday in November, a date in the early 19th century. Originally, states held elections on different days, but in 1845 a law was passed to unify Election Day nationwide.
Early November was chosen because this suited the predominantly agricultural society of that time; it was after harvest and yet with mild enough weather to travel.
Where you can watch the results live
Watch extensive live coverage of the election results at TimesofIndia.com. You can stream the results on TOI’s YouTube channel and follow real-time updates on our website.
What are the opening and closing times of polling stations?
The voting locations will start between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM local time in different states, which corresponds to 4:30 PM to 9:30 PM Indian Standard Time (IST), taking into account different US time zones, ALJAZEERA reported.
Voting centers will cease operations at different times depending on state and county jurisdictions. The majority will end between 6:00 PM Eastern Time and midnight Eastern Time.
When will the results of the US elections be announced?
The first results should appear shortly after the first polls close at 6:00 PM Eastern Time (10:00 PM GMT). Later in November: It could take days for election results to be known, especially if it is closed and mail-in ballots are involved.
If the battle between Harris and Trump proves close, the counting process could extend beyond election night, potentially requiring several days to determine the winner.
What is the current national polling data
New York Times:

thirty-five:

What are Swing States and what role they play in American elections
Seven crucial swing states are likely to determine the presidential outcome, including Pennsylvania (19 Electoral votes), North Carolina (16), Georgia (16), Michigan (15), Arizona (11), Wisconsin (10) and Nevada (6), with a total of 93 Electoral College votes.
A successful candidate needs 270 of the available 538 electoral votes.
Harris faces challenges in Georgia, North Carolina and Arizona, according to Newsmax political analyst Mark Halperin. Halperin suggests Harris could secure Pennsylvania but still lose the White House, especially if Wisconsin proves unfavorable. Her position reflects Joe Biden’s situation before the debate.
Is an electoral tie possible in the 2024 US elections?
Indeed, according to CNN reports, it remains a possibility, even if unlikely. A possible scenario for the 2024 election shows: If Harris secures Wisconsin, Michigan, Arizona, Nevada and one electoral vote from Nebraska – states previously won by Joe Biden in 2020 – but loses Pennsylvania and Georgia, the result would be a deadlock of 269-269 are. . Additional tiered election scenarios are available on the 270 to Win website.
What could happen if there is a tie in the US elections?
In the event of a tie of 269 to 269, or if a third party or independent candidate secures electoral votes that prevents a candidate from obtaining the required 270 electoral college majority, the situation moves to a “conditional election.”
During contingent elections, the U.S. House of Representatives determines the winner. Each state’s House delegation gets one vote, and victory requires a majority of the state delegation’s votes.
The 12th Amendment, established after the controversial elections of 1800, stipulates that if no candidate wins a majority in the Electoral College, the newly inaugurated Congress (sworn in on January 3) chooses the president, while the Senate chooses the vice president.
What influence do Indian-Americans have on the American elections
Indian-American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi spoke about the major influence Indian Americans can have in the upcoming US presidential elections. He said their votes could determine election results, both in key states and nationwide.
He told ANI, “The community is looking for practical problem-solving leaders, people who will put ideology aside and work on principle to ensure that everyone can enjoy the American dream, as long as they work hard, play by the rules and try to help their people. country.”