US Presidential Election 2024: America Votes for Its 47th President Amid High Stakes on Immigration and Abortion Issues

United States, November 5, 2024: The highly anticipated US Presidential Election 2024 takes place today, as millions of Americans head to the polls to elect the nation’s 47th president. This year, the competition is fierce between Republican candidate Donald Trump and Democratic incumbent Vice President Kamala Harris. With early voting setting records, over 40% of eligible voters have already cast their ballots through mail-in voting, according to CNN, while the remaining voters are expected to cast their votes in person today.

Candidates in the 2024 US Presidential Election

Donald Trump, the Republican candidate, served as president from 2017 to 2021. His campaign promises include reducing taxes and enforcing stricter immigration policies. His final campaign rally in Michigan emphasized the importance of these issues, with Trump pledging to address illegal immigration and reduce taxes.

Kamala Harris, on the Democratic ticket, is the current Vice President, making history as the first woman and first person of South Asian descent in this role. Harris has campaigned on progressive policies addressing healthcare reform, immigration, and women’s rights, emphasizing unity and equality in her speeches.

Key Issues: Immigration and Abortion

The US Presidential Election 2024 has put a spotlight on two critical issues: immigration and abortion. Both topics have historically divided American voters, and this election proves to be no different.

IMMIGRATION

The issue of immigration continues to be one of the most debated topics in American politics. According to the US Department of Homeland Security, over 14 million immigrants entered the country between 2000 and 2010, with significant numbers from countries like China, India, and Mexico. Trump has taken a strong stance on controlling illegal immigration, even suggesting the imposition of the death penalty for immigrants who commit violent crimes. His policies aim to prevent illegal entry through enhanced border security along the 3,200-kilometer U.S.-Mexico border. In contrast, Harris advocates for a more inclusive immigration policy, focusing on pathways to citizenship and humane treatment of refugees and immigrants.

ABORTION

Abortion is another divisive issue influencing this election. Abortion was largely restricted in the United States until Roe v. Wade in 1973, which legalized it nationwide. Since then, hundreds of laws have been enacted to restrict abortion access.

Harris has committed to protecting women’s reproductive rights, while Trump has signaled intentions to limit access further. Recent legislative battles over abortion rights have re-ignited protests across the nation, drawing international attention and sparking extensive political debate.

Importance of Swing States in US Elections

Swing states are crucial in determining the US Presidential Election 2024 outcome. Out of the total 538 electoral votes, 93 belong to swing states that historically fluctuate between the Republican and Democratic parties. These states, including Florida, Pennsylvania, and Ohio, are heavily targeted by both parties as they could ultimately determine the election outcome. Winning 270 electoral votes is essential for victory, and with the majority of swing states’ voters being undecided or prone to change party support, both candidates are heavily focused on winning these critical states.

Historical Background of US Presidential Elections

The U.S. has a rich history of presidential elections dating back to 1789, when George Washington became the first president. Since then, the U.S. has held 58 elections, evolving from a relatively straightforward process to a complex system influenced by party divisions, swing states, and emerging social issues.

Key Historical Elections

• 2000 Election: The contest between Al Gore and George W. Bush remains one of the most controversial, with the Supreme Court deciding the outcome 36 days after Election Day.
• 2016 Election: Despite winning the popular vote, Hillary Clinton lost to Donald Trump due to the Electoral College distribution. This sparked widespread debates about the electoral system.
• 2020 Election: Joe Biden defeated Trump in a highly contentious election marred by allegations of election interference and culminated in the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021.

The US Presidential Election 2024 is a pivotal moment, with candidates Donald Trump and Kamala Harris vying for the presidency in a divided nation. With immigration and abortion as key issues, the results will likely have far-reaching implications on domestic and international policies. The outcome may hinge on swing states, making it one of the most closely watched elections in U.S. history.

As the world waits, Americans are making their voices heard, voting for the leader they believe can best address the country’s pressing challenges.

For more detailed updates, follow official sources like CNN, BBC, and The New York Times.