The 2024 U.S. presidential election is entering its final stretch, with the race between Democratic nominee Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican nominee former President Donald Trump heating up following their first debate. With less than two months until Election Day on November 5th, the candidates are crisscrossing key battleground states to make their case to voters.
Harris and Trump Return to Campaign Trail After Fiery Debate
In their inaugural face-to-face matchup in Philadelphia on September 10th, Harris delivered a forceful rebuke of Trump, challenging him on issues ranging from abortion rights and immigration to the state of American democracy. The debate showcased the stark contrasts in their visions for the country.
Both candidates have quickly returned to the campaign trail to build on the debate’s impact. Harris is focusing her efforts on Pennsylvania, a crucial swing state that has backed the winning candidate in 10 of the last 12 presidential elections. Trump, meanwhile, is holding a rally in Nevada as he works to shore up support in the West.
Trump Declines Third Debate as Polls Show Tight Race
The Trump campaign announced on September 13th that the former president will not participate in a proposed third debate with Harris. The decision comes after the Harris campaign requested an additional debate following their heated initial encounter.
Recent polling indicates an extremely close race, with Trump and Harris virtually tied across seven key swing states, not including New Mexico. The slim margins raise the stakes for both campaigns as they work to sway undecided voters and turn out their base.
Election Denialism Threatens to Disrupt Vote Count
As the election nears, concerns are mounting that the proliferation of conspiracy theories and false claims of voter fraud, fueled by Trump and his allies, could lead to disruptions in the vote counting process, particularly in battleground states.
A report from the Center for Media and Democracy found that at least 239 adherents of Trump’s baseless “election integrity” claims are running for office or hold key roles overseeing elections in eight swing states. Over 100 election deniers currently serve on state and county election boards, putting them in position to interfere with certifying results.
“What struck us in our research is the extent to which election denialism and the falsehood of voter fraud have permeated and taken over the Republican machinery in these key states,” said Arn Pearson, CMD’s executive director.
Election experts warn that while the system is better prepared to handle such challenges than in 2020, the potential for chaos and delays remains high. “Trump is laying the groundwork to contest the election and delegitimize a Democratic victory, but it will be more challenging for him to manipulate the rules this time,” noted Rick Hasen, an election law expert at UCLA.
Voters Focused on Economy, Other Key Issues
As voters prepare to cast their ballots, the economy has emerged as the top issue, with 81% of registered voters calling it very important to their vote. Other key issues include health care, Supreme Court appointments, immigration, and abortion.There are sharp divides between Harris and Trump supporters on the importance of various issues. While 93% of Trump backers cite the economy as very important, followed by immigration (82%) and violent crime (76%), Harris supporters prioritize health care (76%), the Supreme Court (73%), and abortion (67%).
Experts Warn of Delayed Election Night Results
With the increased use of mail-in ballots nationwide, which take longer to count than those cast in person, election officials are cautioning that a clear winner may not be apparent on the night of November 5th in several key states.
“I continually object to the term ‘delays,'” said Schmidt, the Republican secretary of state in [state name not provided]. “The ballots will be counted as swiftly as possible, and counting votes takes time.”
Election workers must follow strict security measures, including signature verification and ensuring voters did not also attempt to vote in person, before mail ballots can be tabulated. Officials emphasize that taking time to count every vote accurately should not be seen as indicative of problems.
As the nation gears up for another contentious and potentially drawn-out election, the coming weeks will be crucial as Harris and Trump make their final pitches to voters. With the race on a knife’s edge, every vote will matter in determining the next occupant of the White House.