The long-awaited day has arrived: Millions of Americans are heading to the polls to choose between two presidential candidates who are very close in the polls. Democratic vice-presidential candidate Kamala Harris and former Republican President Donald Trump, locked in a months-long battle for votes, remain separated by just 1.2% in favor of Harris, according to the latest polls on Monday. However, this advantage remains within the margin of statistical error.
Trump ended his campaign with a closing speech in Grand Rapids, in the key state of Michigan. Meanwhile, Harris wrapped up the campaign in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania's largest city — another key battleground state, which incumbent Joe Biden won by 1.2% in 2020. As America votes, Europe and the world wait with we look forward to the outcome, as this process may bring protests and legal challenges similar to those that followed the elections four years ago.
JD Vance votes in Cincinnati
Republican vice presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance cast his ballot at a polling place in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Tuesday.
Speaking to reporters, he said he had voted for former President Donald Trump and himself, adding: "I feel good about this race ... I hope everything goes well for President Trump and for me, like it did a few years ago first at Ohio State.”
Former President Barack Obama urges Americans to vote
Former US President Barack Obama urged Americans to vote through a post on social networks.
"This election will be close," he said, adding that "in some states, just a few votes in each constituency can decide the winner."
Today is Election Day.
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) November 5, 2024
Millions of Americans will be going to the polls to show the world who we are and what we stand for. Find out where and when you can vote today at https://t.co/NKXRGNgbZX .
And once you do, I want to see your voting sticker. I'll be sharing your posts… pic.twitter.com/JwRuT2s08s
Obama urged voters to encourage family, neighbors and friends to vote for incumbent Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee and her running mate, Tim Walz. Two days ago, the former president attended a rally in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, one of the key states in this election.
EU leaders will discuss the results of the US election on Thursday evening
The leaders of the 27 countries of the European Union are expected to hold the first face-to-face discussion on the results of the US presidential election on Thursday evening during a dinner in Budapest.
The dinner, hosted by Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a known supporter of Donald Trump, aims to help leaders align positions on cooperation with the next White House administration and on the development of EU-US relations. However, no official statement is expected.
"We are working on common messages," a senior EU official said on Tuesday. These messages include strengthening EU-US ties, the need to strengthen the EU's strategic independence and the importance of the multilateral system.
The official pointed out that, by the time the leaders sit down for dinner, there could be three possible scenarios: a declared winner, no clear winner or a candidate challenging the results. This will affect how the debate unfolds on Thursday.
Why are US elections held on a Tuesday in November?
Before 1845, the Electoral College in the US met on the first Wednesday in December, and all US states had to choose their representatives in the 34 days before that date.
At the time, many Americans worked in agriculture, so November was chosen for the election, as it is after the fall crops and before the cold winter temperatures set in that could keep voters from voting.
What changed in 1845? The US Congress passed an act to set a date for the election of the president and vice president in all states. Until then, voting at different times in different states risked influencing the decision-making of neighboring states, especially with the advancement of communication.
Why exactly Tuesday? To avoid Sunday, when most go to church, and Wednesday, which was "market day" for farmers.
Security measures in Washington DC increased to deal with possible election unrest
The FBI has set up an election command post in the federal capital to monitor threats 24 hours a day throughout this week, with about 80 people assembled from 12 US agencies to oversee the election and prevent any acts of violence.
"We've got the people in the right place, we've identified the right people in different agencies," said FBI Assistant Director James Barnacle.
"We have expanded our response" since the last election in 2020, he added.
The attack on the Capitol on January 6, 2021 remains fresh in the memory. Some businesses around the White House have already set up barricades to protect stores in the event of a disturbance.
How do astronauts vote from space?
US astronauts can vote in their home states from the International Space Station (ISS) through a mail-in ballot, but how does it work?
Astronauts fill out electronic ballots on the ISS, which are sent via NASA's satellite system to an antenna on Earth. Then, the coded vote is transferred to the mission control center, from where it is sent to the appropriate office that takes care of casting the vote in the astronaut's country.
