The 2024 United States election on November 5 has sparked unprecedented interest across the country and the world. Millions of Americans went to the polls to choose between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. As the votes continue to be counted, many are asking: Can Kamala Harris still win? or What does she need to secure her victory? These are some of the most searched questions on Google in the early hours following the vote.
How many votes does Kamala Harris have? Can she still win?
As of 22:51, Kamala Harris has 204 electoral votes, while Donald Trump has reached 227 votes, according to the latest reports.
To win the presidency, Harris needs to reach 270 electoral votes. Although the gap may seem significant, the outcome is still undecided as several swing states have yet to complete their vote count.
These states, known for their tendency to switch parties between elections, could tip the balance in this tight race.
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How does the Electoral College work in the United States?
In the United States, the president is not chosen through a direct popular vote but rather through the Electoral College. This system allocates a total of 538 electoral votes among the states based on their population and Congressional representation.
Most states award all their electoral votes to the candidate who wins the popular vote in that state. This means that winning in certain key states can be decisive, even if a candidate does not obtain the majority of the national popular vote.
What does Kamala Harris need to win the election?
To win, Kamala Harris must reach 270 electoral votes. With her current 204 votes, Harris relies on the results in several swing states, including:
- Pennsylvania – 19 votes
- Georgia – 16 votes
- North Carolina – 16 votes
- Michigan – 15 votes
- Arizona – 11 votes
- Wisconsin – 10 votes
- Nevada – 6 votes
Why is Pennsylvania key in this election?
Pennsylvania is the most important swing state in this election, with 19 electoral votes at stake.
This state has shown a shifting trend: Trump won it in 2016, but in 2020 it swung towards Joe Biden.
This year, both candidates have campaigned intensively in Pennsylvania, aware that winning in this state could determine the outcome of the election. Donald Trump has made it clear, stating, “If we win Pennsylvania, we win everything.”
What are “swing states” and why are they so important?
Swing states are those where the results are uncertain and can favor either party in an election.
These states are strategic because they carry a significant number of electoral votes, and their tendencies are unpredictable. In addition to Pennsylvania, other key swing states in this election include Georgia, North Carolina, and Michigan. The ability of these states to “swing” between parties means that their results are essential for reaching the 270 votes needed.
When will the final election results be known?
The final result could be delayed due to the high volume of mail-in ballots and state regulations for vote counting.
In some states, like California, mail-in ballots can be counted up to a week after the election, as long as they were sent on or before Election Day. This means that the counting process could extend for several days, especially if the race is very close.
When will the next president of the United States take office?
Regardless of when the final result is confirmed, the inauguration of the next president of the United States is scheduled for January 20, 2025. This date is set by the Constitution and marks the official start of the new presidential term. The inauguration ceremony will take place at the Capitol in Washington, D.C., where the president-elect will take the oath of office and begin their administration.
Can Kamala Harris still win?
Although Kamala Harris is currently behind in the electoral vote count, the result is not yet determined.
The vice president needs to secure victories in several swing states to reach the 270 electoral votes. While it is too early to declare a winner, the trends are currently not favorable for Kamala Harris.
