The final countdown has begun for the 2024 general election, slated for November 5th. For weeks, we have been demystifying frequently asked questions in an attempt to arm potential voters with thorough information. This article provides speedy details about various facets of the impending election, highlighting the vital factors at play towards determining the results.
The question has been asked: Do votes for Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has dropped out and endorsed Donald Trump, automatically transfer to Trump? The simple answer is no. Kennedy initially threw in the towel for the Democratic nomination and embarked on a solo campaign, striving to secure his position on the ballot across various states. After the August announcement of the campaign’s termination, Kennedy voiced his support for the Republican candidate, Trump.
Efforts were subsequently made by Kennedy to withdraw his name from many state ballots. However, some states have maintained his name on the list, with Michigan, a strategic swing state, upholding the state Supreme Court’s ruling against removing his name. There are no legal provisions allowing the transference of votes from one candidate to another, ensuring votes cast for Kennedy remain his, despite his political retreat.
While it might seem irrelevant, these details may have substantial sway on the election. The race could be a tightrope walk between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, potentially tipping the scales with just a small margin of votes in select states. Hence, unexpected votes cast in favor of third-party candidates could potentially dictate the final verdict.
Does early voting seem like an expedient option? Indeed, it is. Every state provides facilities for prior voting, albeit under varying rules. The official Election Day is on November 5th, but should certain circumstances predispose you to vote sooner or if you’re unable to vote on the day, there are provisions provided by all states to accommodate these needs.
Early voting in person is possible in about 46 states and D.C., although dates, opening hours, and precise locations differ from one state to the next. Some implications are more accommodating, allowing early voting up to 46 days prior, while others only offer the option a few days before Election Day.
An alternative preferred by some is mail-in voting. In eight states, along with D.C, elections are primarily carried out via mail, ensuring registered voters automatically get hold of a ballot. Typically, these ballots are slated to arrive in October, as per state legislation and office elections. Every state provides for some form of absentee voting, enabling a broader scope for early voting.
Scheduling demands for absentee ballots differ across states, extending from three weeks before the big day right down to the eve of the election. In 15 states, one must justify the requirement for an absentee ballot, although lenient criteria can be met by something as straightforward as confirmation of being out-of-town on Election Day.
Do election results monopolize the headlines on election night? Not necessarily. Conclusively choreographing the results could stretch over weeks. Processing the ballots requires time, with individual states operating according to varying timelines, the causes ranging from limited staffing, statutory rules dictating the counting commencement, or the anticipation of mail-in ballots.
States are bound by legal deadlines for the publication of final results. Local election offices in some states are required to certify their results immediately after the election, while others have a more extended period available. Following this certification, a few more days are added to compute and confirm the statewide vote. As per federal law, each state must certify the results for presidential elections by December 11.
While the official certification of results can take time, certain teams of experts study the initial public results, using demographic and historical patterns to predict the likely winners. This could facilitate quicker ‘calls’ for election races. However, neither the call nor a candidate’s concession carries any legal bearing – only the certified results count.
The congressional balance of power could also experience seismic shifts during this election. There’s a frenzied struggle ongoing between the Democrats and Republicans for supremacy in both the Senate and the House of Representatives, with opinion polls suggesting that control of either chamber is not a certainty.
At the moment, the Republicans are barely holding onto the majority in the House, boasting 220 seats against the Democrat’s 212, with three more up for grabs. With all 435 seats being contested in this election, the direction of the majority could swing either way, proving crucial in the passage of legislation and potential approval from the Senate and the president. If the Republicans can hold onto their majority, they will maintain the power to decide which bills are voted on.
Meanwhile, Democrats cling to a sliver-thin majority in the Senate, which remains a critical platform for confirming appointments to judgeships and the cabinet, as well as controlling legislation. Robust campaign strategies have been adopted by both sides, underlining the immense significance of the 2024 general election and ensuring an exhilarating watch.