10 Essential Things to Know Before the U.S. Election 2024

US Elections 2024 : As countdown to U.S. presidential election on vember 5, 2024, approaches, competition between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris is heating up, particularly in critical swing states. Both candidates are making final pushes in what is anticipated to be a closely contested race.

All you need to kw before world's biggest ecomy goes to vote:

Key Election Details

- Eligible Voters: Approximately 244 million Americans

- Polling Hours: Most states open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. (times may vary)

- 2020 Turut: About two-thirds of eligible voters participated

Ecomic Landscape

Ecomic issues are pivotal in election. A recent CBS News poll revealed that 60% of Americans view ecomy as "fairly bad" or "very bad," despite strong GDP growth and low unemployment rates. This sentiment highlights a disconnect between favorable ecomic indicators and personal financial experiences, which may significantly influence voter decisions.

Current Ecomic Indicators:

  - GDP growth remains strong

  - Unemployment near pre-pandemic levels

  - Inflation has decreased to a three-year low of 2.4%

Experts, including Mark Zandi from Moody's Analytics, rate ecomy's performance as exceptional, yet public perception remains a challenge for both candidates.

Major Issues

Kamala Harris

Harris aims to tackle rising food and housing costs. Key proposals include:

- Prohibiting price-gouging on groceries

- Supporting first-time homebuyers

- Incentivizing housing supply

Harris also faces scrutiny regarding her effectiveness and approval ratings, which remain low but slightly higher than President Biden's.

Donald Trump

Trump promises to “end inflation and make America affordable again.” 

His platform includes:

- Deporting undocumented immigrants to relieve housing pressure

- Concerns about his proposal to raise import taxes, which could drive prices higher.

For some voters, particularly within Muslim community in New York City, situation in Gaza is a critical issue. Many express dissatisfaction with candidates’ responses to international conflicts.

Candidate Profiles

Kamala Harris

Vice President, a former prosecutor and senator, has struggled to define her role within Biden administration. While concerns about her effectiveness are less prounced, low approval ratings continue to affect her campaign as she seeks to eng voters.

Donald Trump

former President, still denying his 2020 election loss, continues to hold significant influence within Republican Party. Despite facing legal challenges, his support remains strong among a dedicated base, particularly with a fragmented field of primary challengers.

Polling Trends

Recent polling indicates a tight race:

- Kamala Harris: 49%

- Donald Trump: 48%

Pennsylvania is highlighted as a crucial state, currently showing a slight lead for Trump. Nationally, Harris has gained a small edge, with polls showing her performing better in Pennsylvania than Biden did in 2020.

Voter Turut History

- 2020 Election: 66% of eligible voters participated, highest since 1900.

- Early Voting Trends: Significant increases ted in recent elections, indicating heightened voter engment.

Swing States

Key battleground states include:

- Florida

- Pennsylvania

- Michigan

- Wisconsin

- rth Carolina

- Arizona

- Georgia

Election Process

To be eligible for presidency, candidates must:

- Be natural-born citizens

- Have resided in U.S. for at least 14 years

- Be at least 35 years old

Electoral College will determine winner, requiring at least 270 out of 538 electoral votes.

Global Ecomic Implications

A Harris victory may lead to a more accommodative U.S. Federal Reserve, potentially benefiting international financial markets. In contrast, a Trump win could maintain high interest rates and alter global trade policies, particularly concerning China.

Important Timings

- Voting Date: vember 5, 2024

- Exit Polls Start: 5 p.m. ET

- Certification of Votes: Congress will count electoral votes on January 6, 2025.