As the United States nears the 2024 presidential election, candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are intensifying their campaigns in key battleground states, where outcomes remain uncertain, particularly in crucial swing states.
When is the US Election Date and Why
The presidential election is scheduled for Tuesday, November 5, 2024.
Federal elections take place on the first Tuesday of November, a date set in the early 19th century. Originally, states held elections on various days, but in 1845, a law was passed to unify the election day nationwide.
Early November was chosen as it suited the predominantly agricultural society of the time—falling after the harvest yet with mild enough weather for travel.
Where to watch the results live
Catch comprehensive live coverage of the election results on TimesofIndia.com. You can stream the results on TOI’s YouTube channel and follow real-time updates on our website.
What are Polling opening and closing hours
Voting locations will commence operations between 7:00 am and 9:00 am local time across different states, which corresponds to 4:30 pm through 9:30 pm Indian Standard Time (IST), accounting for various US time zones, ALJAZEERA reported.
Voting centres will conclude operations at different times, varying by state and county jurisdictions. The majority will finish between 6pm Eastern Time and midnight Eastern Time.
When will the US election result be announced
Initial results should emerge shortly after the first polls close at 6pm Eastern Time (22:00 GMT). Later in November: It could take days for the election result to be known, especially if it is closed and mail-in ballots are a factor.
If the contest between Harris and Trump proves close, the counting process could extend beyond election night, potentially requiring several days to determine the winner.
What is the current National Polling Data
New York Times:

fivethirtyeight:

What are Swing States and what role they play in US elections
Seven crucial swing states will likely determine the presidential outcome, comprising Pennsylvania (19 Electoral votes), North Carolina (16), Georgia (16), Michigan (15), Arizona (11), Wisconsin (10), and Nevada (6), totalling 93 Electoral College votes.
A successful candidate requires 270 of the available 538 Electoral votes.
According to Newsmax political analyst Mark Halperin, Harris faces challenges in Georgia, North Carolina and Arizona. Halperin suggests Harris might secure Pennsylvania but could still lose the White House, particularly if Wisconsin proves unfavourable. Her position mirrors Joe Biden’s situation before the debate.
Is an electoral tie possible in US elections 2024?
According to CNN reports, indeed, while improbable, it remains a possibility. One possible scenario for the 2024 election shows: If Harris secures Wisconsin, Michigan, Arizona, Nevada and one electoral vote from Nebraska – states previously won by Joe Biden in 2020 – but loses Pennsylvania and Georgia, the result would be a 269-269 deadlock. Additional tied-election scenarios are available on the 270 to Win website.
What could occur in the event of a tie in the US elections?
In case of a 269-269 tie, or if a third-party or independent candidate secures electoral votes preventing any candidate from achieving the required 270 Electoral College majority, the situation proceeds to a “contingent election”.
During a contingent election, the US House of Representatives determines the winner. Each state’s House delegation receives one vote, and victory requires a majority of state delegation votes.
The 12th Amendment, established following the contentious 1800 election, stipulates that if no candidate achieves an Electoral College majority, the newly inaugurated Congress (sworn in on January 3) selects the president, whilst the Senate chooses the vice president.
What influence do Indian-Americans have on US elections
Indian-American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi weighed in on the major influence that Indian Americans can have in the upcoming US presidential elections. He said that their votes might determine the election results both in key states and nationwide.
He told ANI, “The community is looking for practical problem-solving leaders, people who put ideology aside and are principled about making sure that everyone can enjoy the American dream as long as they work hard, play by the rules and try to help their country.”