2024 US Election Guide: Key Issues, Voting Trends, and Paths to Victory

The 2024 US presidential election is going to be a big one. High stakes on the economy, democracy and immigration have candidates scrambling to get voters and win the top job. Along with the presidential race, control of Congress and multiple state offices and ballot initiatives are up for grabs so this is a huge moment for US politics.

Voting Trends and Process: Record Early Voting

Americans are voting early, either by mail or in person at early voting centers, and we’re already seeing record turnout this year. Georgia and Wisconsin have reported record numbers on the first day of early voting. People are feeling the urgency.

Key Facts:

• Early voting is up as more states offer absentee and mail-in ballots.
• Alabama, Mississippi and New Hampshire are the only states that don’t offer in-person early voting.
• Most absentee ballots are processed immediately but counting doesn’t start until Election Day.

This year Election Day is Tuesday, November 5. Early voting is available especially with COVID-19 and recent legal challenges. But delays in counting absentee and mail-in ballots could mean results in tight states are delayed and the election outcome could be prolonged.

The Candidates and Issues: Trump vs. Harris

With Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee and Donald Trump as the Republican nominee, this is going to be a big one. Harris would be the first woman and first person of color to be elected President while Trump is seeking his third term and wants to continue his business friendly policies.

Candidate Breakdown:

• Kamala Harris (Democratic Nominee): Known for her positions on reproductive rights, climate change and criminal justice reform, Harris promises to focus on the middle class, affordable housing and healthcare.
• Donald Trump (Republican Nominee): His America First agenda means stricter immigration controls, tax cuts and deregulation to grow business.

Harris’ campaign is about upholding democratic norms, climate change and affordable healthcare. Trump is re-running his 2016 promises, including trade protectionism and strict immigration policies, positioning himself as the defender of the “American way of life”.

Top issues for voters in 2024

1. Economy: With inflation stable and unemployment at historic lows the US economy is a winner for both candidates. The Democrats are talking about tax cuts for middle class families and corporate accountability, Trump’s team is talking about cutting taxes more and growing domestic production through tariffs.
2. Democracy and Voting Rights: Democracy and electoral integrity are top of mind this election. After the 2020 election controversies many Democrats see Trump as a threat to democratic norms. Trump’s supporters see Harris as too far left, citing federal oversight as the concern.
3. Abortion Rights: With Roe v. Wade overturned abortion access is a major issue. Harris wants to codify abortion rights at the federal level, Trump wants to leave it to the states, although he’s recently waffled on a national ban. Ten states have ballot measures on abortion so voters passionate about reproductive rights will be motivated to turn out.
4. Immigration: Trump’s immigration policies will be back if he wins. He promises a big deportation campaign and border enforcement. Harris wants a more balanced approach and supports a bipartisan bill that proposes border security with regulated immigration paths to avoid the immigration mess of the past.

Election Forecasts and Swing States Both candidates are tied in the swing states so this election could come down to seven battleground states: Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. Each campaign has their own path to victory, Trump is focusing on rural voters and Harris is mobilizing urban and Black voters in high stakes areas like Pennsylvania.

What to Expect

Whether Harris or Trump wins the policy direction of the US will change. If Democrats keep the Senate and possibly the House they will push for progressive reforms on healthcare, climate and education. Republicans will seek tax cuts, increased military spending and deregulation and frame their platform as pro-growth.

This election will be a test of the candidates and of American democracy itself. With tight polls, nasty debates and high turnout the 2024 US presidential election will set the course for the country for years to come.

Quick Facts:

• Election Day: November 5, 2024; early voting records set in several states.
• Top Issues: Economy, democracy, abortion rights and immigration.
• Swing States: Pennsylvania, Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Wisconsin.

Stay tuned as the results come in. This is bigger than an election; it’s a moment of truth for the US and the world.