As elections are approaching fast, uncertainty is growing as who is going to be the next President of the USA.
More than 240 million American voters are called to the polls to choose their 47th president. Democrat Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump are neck-and-neck in the polls.
Who will succeed Joe Biden as President of the United States? American voters have until Tuesday November 5, the country's main voting day, to decide who will take up residence in the Oval Office of the White House in early 2025. Everyone is on the edge of their seats to know who will be the winner of course.
Let's take a closer look at this thrilling moment in history.
If you wish to know more about elections, consult this article: US election guide for the dummies !
In a word, the general election process can be summed up this way:
- first there are caucuses and primaries. Caucuses are huge meetings in which political members discuss their preferred candidates. Then, primaries occur and party members within the state will vote for their preferred candidate.
- the second moment is when each party chooses their nominee who will be able to choose their running mate for Vice President. This happens during National Conventions.
- General elections are the moment when nominees tour the counrty to explain their ideas and arguments.
- And here comes the specific part:
- The popular vote (just like in France for example) allows citizens around the country to cast their vote. The person who gets the more votes is elected. Citizens are voting for a slate of electors (state senators, mayors, governors, members of congress...) appointed by their state’s political parties who are pledged to support that party’s candidate.
- The electoral college constituted of the people elected by popular votes, will then officially elect the President who needs 270 votes of the 538 up for grabs.
Some states are worth very few electoral votes while others weigh a massive number of votes.
Swing states are called like this because they have a huge sway in the electoral process. The color of the state may change with each election (red for Republicans, blue for Democrats). So, it is really necessary for candidates to convince those states (which include: Florida, Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania). Watch this video to grasp the point.
And not just candidates are fighting to convince people. Stars are also in the race!
So, who will be sworn into office on January 20th 2025?
Suspense is literally unbearable!
