The US presidential race between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump arrived at an unpredictable conclusion on Tuesday, with millions of Americans participating in one of the closest elections in recent history.
The outcome—potentially revealed overnight or delayed for days—could make Harris the first woman to hold arguably the world’s most powerful position or restore Trump and his “America First” agenda to power.
As voters waited in long lines nationwide, several bomb threats were reported at polling places. In the aftermath of the 2020 election, police arrested a suspicious man near the US Capitol who was carrying a flare gun and smelled of fuel. Both the FBI and Georgia’s Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger noted that the bomb threats, though deemed non-credible, likely originated from Russia.
Polls indicate an exceptionally tight race between 60-year-old Democratic Vice President Harris and 78-year-old Republican Trump, who would become the oldest president, the first to serve non-consecutive terms, and the first felon president if elected.
Harris entered the race late after President Biden withdrew in July, while Trump has survived two assassination attempts and a criminal conviction. Tens of millions of voters were expected to cast ballots on Tuesday, adding to the 83 million who voted early. Both candidates made final appeals to undecided voters.
After traveling the country, Harris returned to Washington, calling into radio stations in swing states and personally answering calls at a voter phone bank. “We’ve got to get it done,” she urged on Atlanta’s WVEE-FM. “Today is voting day, and people need to be active.” She characterized Trump as “full of vengeance” and self-interest.
Trump, voting in Florida near Mar-a-Lago, expressed confidence and a desire for inclusiveness but raised concerns about the vote count, fuelling speculation that he may dispute the results if he loses. “If it’s a fair election, I would be the first one to acknowledge it,” he stated, despite having previously made baseless claims of electoral fraud.
In Arizona, Trump supporter Camille Kroskey, 62, opted to vote in person to ensure her ballot was securely submitted, admitting uncertainty about its counting. In Pennsylvania, a critical battleground state, Harris supporter Marchelle Beason, 46, noted significantly longer lines than in the previous election, emphasizing the division in the country and her preference for Harris’s peaceful message.
At the same location, Darlene Taylor, 56, wearing a homemade Trump shirt, prioritized immigration issues, echoing Trump’s promise of an aggressive deportation policy if elected.
The election’s global ramifications are notable, attracting attention from war zones in Ukraine and the Middle East. Harris has committed to maintaining support for Ukraine amid Russian aggression and addressing the Gaza conflict, while also backing Israel. Trump’s strategy includes seeking a swift resolution to the Ukraine war, likely by pushing Kyiv to make concessions, and ensuring continued US support for Israel.
“We can fix every single problem our country faces and lead America—and indeed the world—to new heights of glory,” Trump declared at his final rally in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Meanwhile, Harris reiterated her opposition to Trump-backed abortion restrictions in multiple states, a stance that appeals to critical women voters. Control of Congress is also at stake, with Republicans expected to regain the Senate.
