With Election Day just days away, the U.S. presidential race between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump has reached a fever pitch. Polls indicate a neck-and-neck contest, with both candidates vying for crucial votes in battleground states. So far, over 77 million Americans have cast their ballots, suggesting an exceptionally high turnout that could surpass the record-breaking 2020 election. The campaigns are ramping up their final efforts, with high-profile figures like Lady Gaga and Oprah Winfrey joining Harris at rallies, as Trump holds events with his base in Pennsylvania.
Record Early Voting as Election Day Approaches
According to the University of Florida’s Election Lab, early voting turnout has surged, with more than 77 million Americans voting by mail or in person ahead of Election Day. This level of engagement reflects the heightened stakes of the 2024 election, with both parties mobilizing their supporters in an election season marked by intense political division and passionate advocacy.
Historically, high early voter turnout has been a predictor of overall strong voter engagement. This year’s participation rate could be on track to exceed the 160 million ballots cast in 2020, a record for U.S. elections. Swing states like Pennsylvania, Georgia, and North Carolina are seeing particularly high early turnout, underscoring their pivotal roles in deciding the outcome.
Celebrities Rally Behind Harris in Pennsylvania
Lady Gaga and Oprah Winfrey are among the high-profile celebrities scheduled to appear at Harris’ final campaign rallies in Pennsylvania. The rallies, aimed at mobilizing last-minute voters, are part of Harris’ “Get Out the Vote” initiative and feature performances from artists such as The Roots, Ricky Martin, Jazmine Sullivan, and DJ Jazzy Jeff. This celebrity-powered push is expected to draw significant attention in Pennsylvania, one of the critical battleground states that both candidates are fighting to secure.
The Harris campaign has strategically targeted Pennsylvania, where strong support from urban and suburban areas could make the difference in a state that narrowly backed Trump in 2016 before flipping to Biden in 2020.
Key Demographics: Harris Leads with Black Voters, Trump Gains with Hispanic Men
Polls reveal that Harris enjoys substantial support among Black voters, particularly in key states like Georgia and North Carolina. Among Black likely voters, Harris leads with 84% support in Georgia and 78% in North Carolina. She is also performing well with college-educated voters in these states, leading by a significant margin in both demographics.
Trump, however, has seen gains with Hispanic voters, especially men, a demographic that has shown an increasing willingness to support Republican candidates in recent elections. His messaging on economic issues and immigration has resonated with certain segments of the Hispanic electorate, and these gains could be crucial in swing states with sizable Hispanic populations.
A Historic Election with Unprecedented Stakes
A Harris victory would mark a historic milestone, making her the first female, first Black, and first South Asian president in U.S. history. Although Harris and her team have downplayed her gender and race on the campaign trail to avoid alienating certain voters, her potential to break barriers is not lost on political analysts and supporters.
For Trump, a win would make him the first person convicted of a felony to assume the presidency. Trump was convicted of 34 felony counts in New York related to a hush-money case, an unprecedented situation in American politics that adds another layer of complexity to this year’s election. Trump’s supporters, however, remain loyal, viewing his legal battles as part of a broader political vendetta.
Swing States Hold the Key in Photo-Finish Race
The latest opinion polls indicate a close race, with the final decision likely hinging on seven key swing states: Arizona, Nevada, Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Georgia. Both candidates have spent considerable time and resources in these areas, recognizing that just a few percentage points in these battleground states could tip the scales.
In Michigan, Indian-American Congressman Shri Thanedar noted shifting support toward Harris among women, young people, and people of color. “Trump won Michigan in 2016, but we’re starting to see some momentum for Harris,” Thanedar said, emphasizing the impact of Trump’s rhetoric on minority groups. Michigan, which went for Biden in 2020, remains tightly contested, with both parties working to mobilize key demographics.
Final Days See Strong Appeals to Core and Swing Voters
In her final campaign stops, Harris has appealed to diverse groups, including Christians and Arab Americans in Michigan, while stressing the importance of inclusive leadership. Trump, meanwhile, has continued to rally his core supporters, making appeals centered on the economy, immigration, and social issues. His recent rally in Pennsylvania featured his trademark populist messaging, with a tone that some critics found divisive.
Political observers note that both candidates face high unfavorable ratings, but that has not deterred voters from showing up in record numbers. The outcome could very well come down to independent voters who remain undecided and those casting ballots on Election Day itself.
With record early voting numbers and both sides mobilizing hard in swing states, the U.S. election is poised for a dramatic finish. As Harris and Trump make their last appeals, the historic implications of this election have never been more apparent.
