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US Election 2024: Key Battleground States and When Results Will Be Announced

Akhilendra Sahu -

As Election Day for the 2024 U.S. Presidential Race draws near, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are crisscrossing the country, making their final push in critical battleground states. With polls indicating a tight race, both candidates are focused on winning over voters in these pivotal regions that could determine the outcome of the election. The 2024 election is set to be one of the most closely watched and contested in recent history.

US Election Date and Timeline

The general election will take place on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, with results expected to start rolling in shortly after polls begin closing. In key battleground states, voters will cast their ballots for the next president, as well as for Congressional representatives. The winner will be inaugurated on January 20, 2025, marking the beginning of their four-year term in the White House.

When Will Each State Announce Results?

Each state will close its polls at different times on Election Day. Here’s when key battleground states will announce their results:

  1. Pennsylvania (19 electoral votes)Importance: As a critical swing state, Pennsylvania is crucial in the battle for the 270 Electoral College votes. Both Trump and Harris are targeting Pennsylvania, with both campaigns making last-minute stops here.
    • Polls open: 7:00 AM (5:30 PM IST)
    • Polls close: 8:00 PM (6:30 AM IST)
  2. Georgia (16 electoral votes)Importance: Known for its narrow results in 2020, Georgia remains a key battleground in 2024. Trump's 2020 loss in Georgia was historic, and he’s looking to win it back with strong backing from suburban and rural voters.
    • Polls open: 7:00 AM (5:30 PM IST)
    • Polls close: 8:00 PM (6:30 AM IST)
  3. Arizona (11 electoral votes)Importance: Historically a Republican stronghold, Arizona has shifted in recent years and is now a major battleground, with growing Latino and suburban populations potentially favoring Harris.
    • Polls open: 8:00 AM (6:30 PM IST)
    • Polls close: 9:00 PM (7:30 AM IST)
  4. Wisconsin (10 electoral votes)Importance: After Trump’s unexpected victory in 2016, Wisconsin has become a must-win state for both candidates, with its razor-thin margin in 2020 likely to repeat in 2024.
    • Polls open: 8:00 AM (6:30 PM IST)
    • Polls close: 9:00 PM (7:30 AM IST)
  5. Nevada (6 electoral votes)Importance: Nevada is known for backing the eventual winner in most elections, and although the race is tight, it remains a state both campaigns are fighting hard for.
    • Polls open: 10:00 AM (8:30 PM IST)
    • Polls close: 10:00 PM (8:30 AM IST)
  6. North Carolina (15 electoral votes)Importance: Trump won North Carolina in 2020 by a narrow margin, and it remains a key state for his path to victory in 2024. However, Harris has been making significant gains here.
    • Polls open: 6:30 AM (5:00 PM IST)
    • Polls close: 6:30 PM (5:00 AM IST)

What Do the Polls Say?

Polls show a close contest, with both Kamala Harris and Donald Trump attracting roughly 47% of registered voters. According to FiveThirtyEight, Trump has a slight advantage in some battleground states, but the race remains within the margin of error. As the campaigns hit the final stretch, voter turnout will be critical in tipping the scales in these key regions.

Polling in states like Michigan, North Carolina, and Nevada will play a significant role in determining the outcome. Michigan, a state traditionally loyal to Democrats, has seen some shifts in voter allegiance due to Biden’s foreign policy stances, leaving the door open for Trump to regain support.

Why Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Arizona Are Key

  • Pennsylvania: With 19 electoral votes, Pennsylvania remains a pivotal swing state, and its outcome could tip the balance of power in the election.
  • Georgia: After a tight 2020 race, Georgia's growing urban population is shifting the state leftward, but Trump still holds a strong base in rural areas.
  • Arizona: Once a reliably red state, Arizona has been steadily turning purple, with young voters, Latinos, and suburbanites influencing the race.

Other Important Battlegrounds

  • Michigan: Harris has strong support here, but some disillusionment within Democratic ranks has created opportunities for Trump.
  • Nevada: A historically Democratic state, Nevada is now a toss-up, with both parties fighting for its six electoral votes.

The Path to Victory

In order to secure the presidency, both Trump and Harris need at least 270 electoral votes. Each state’s vote is crucial in determining the final result, and with such a close race, every single vote could make the difference.