The U.S. Presidential election 2024 is unfolding as Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump face off in a historically close race. Voting is actively underway, with polls open across numerous states. Kamala Harris, representing the Democratic Party, hopes to become the first woman and the first individual of Indian descent to hold the office, while Republican candidate Donald Trump aims to return to the White House after his 2020 defeat. Early voting has shown a strong turnout, and close competition is anticipated in key battleground states like Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Georgia.
In her final campaign efforts, Harris rallied in Pennsylvania, emphasizing the stakes of this election. Trump, meanwhile, concluded his campaign in Michigan, focusing on his platform of border security and economic policy. Notably, Trump’s supporters include singer Mary Millben, who voiced confidence in his potential comeback. Harris’s candidacy has stirred support globally, especially in her ancestral village of Thulasendrapuram, India, where residents held prayers and made traditional kolam designs in hopes of her victory.
Economic effects of the election are already visible, with U.S. Treasury yields fluctuating and potential impacts on international markets, especially Japan’s currency and stock market, depending on the outcome. The dollar’s strength could swing based on the election results, with investors watching closely.
Historically, Dixville Notch, a New Hampshire hamlet, cast its midnight votes first, resulting in a tie between Harris and Trump—an early sign of the tight race ahead. Given the slim margins and potential recounts in close states, a conclusive result might not emerge immediately after polls close tonight. Both candidates remain optimistic as the nation waits to learn who will become the 47th President of the United States.
Bitcoin ETFs Face Record Outflows Amid Election Jitters
As the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election looms, Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have experienced a significant shift. On Monday, 12 prominent U.S. ETFs specializing in Bitcoin, managed by financial giants like BlackRock Inc. and Fidelity Investments, saw a record-breaking daily net outflow of $579.5 million, according to Bloomberg data.
This outflow highlights the market’s uncertainty as digital-asset traders brace for potential volatility around Election Day. Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies often see market swings during times of heightened uncertainty, and experts expect this to persist in the days following the election results.
US Intelligence Warns of Russian Disinformation Surge
In a stark warning issued Tuesday, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) highlighted the intensifying efforts by Russia to spread disinformation ahead of the election. The United States Intelligence Community (IC) reports a rise in attempts to undermine public confidence in the electoral process and amplify divisions within the U.S.
According to a statement from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), FBI, and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), Russia is currently the “most active threat.” The IC expects foreign disinformation campaigns to continue through Election Day and in the weeks following, with a particular focus on swing states where the impact could be substantial.
Donald Trump Seen as ‘Very Narrow Favourite’ in Tight Race, Says Ian Bremmer
With the race too close to call just hours before voting begins, prominent political scientist Ian Bremmer has noted Donald Trump as the “very narrow favourite.” However, Bremmer, the president and founder of Eurasia Group and GZERO Media, stressed that the race remains unpredictable.
“Trump is the very narrow favourite in this race,” Bremmer told ANI, while acknowledging that recent polls reveal “surprisingly weak” support for Trump in typically Republican states. He cited the influence of undecided voters and effective turnout efforts by both parties as crucial factors likely to determine the outcome.
Reflecting on U.S.-India relations, Bremmer added that regardless of who takes office, both candidates are expected to maintain close ties with India, an observation that aligns with India’s growing significance in U.S. foreign policy.
Polls Open Across 20+ States for Presidential Election
As voters head to the polls to elect the 47th President of the United States, polling stations have opened in over 20 states, CNN reports. Here are the key states where voting has just begun:
- Alabama: While some polling locations open at 7 a.m. ET (due to observing Eastern Time), most will begin at 8 a.m. ET, following Central Time.
- Delaware
- Washington, DC
- Florida: Polls in the Central Time zone open at 8 a.m. ET.
- Georgia
- Illinois
- Kansas: Some locations open at 8 a.m. ET, accounting for time zone differences.
- Maryland
- Massachusetts: Certain cities and towns can open as early as 5:45 a.m. ET.
- Michigan: Some polls in specific areas open at 8 a.m. ET due to time zone variations.
- Missouri
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- Tennessee: In areas with populations over 120,000, polling stations must open by 7 a.m. ET.
With polls now open, Americans across these states are casting their votes in this critical election.
Stay tuned for more updates on the U.S. Presidential Election 2024 as we approach one of the most critical moments in recent American political history.
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