US Elections 2024: America's long night of expectations, tensions and hot topics.

The “long night of America” is about to begin: American citizens are called to choose between two opposing visions represented by the candidates for the White House, Kamala Harris for the Democrats and Donald Trump for the Republicans. The first polling stations have already closed, and attention is turned to the “swing states” — seven swing states whose choice will be decisive for the final result. High tension and contrasting polls accompany this eve, while both candidates launch appeals to voters.

The Issues That Divide America: Abortion and Civil Rights in 9 States

Voters are not only voting for a new president and Congress, but also on sensitive and divisive issues, such as abortion rights. In Arizona, Florida, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota, Colorado, Maryland, Montana, Nevada, and New York, voters are voting on whether to write the right to an abortion into their state constitutions. With the Supreme Court revoking federal protections for the right in 2022, many Democratic-controlled states, such as Colorado and Maryland, are close to granting the right, while others are on the fence. A decision in these states could shape the direction of the abortion debate in the coming years.

Strategy and Nervousness: The Shadow of an Early Declaration

Kamala Harris's team has said it is ready to deal with any early declarations of victory by Trump, a possibility that would generate new tensions. The Democratic team, according to sources close to CNN, is ready to respond "very aggressively" to counter any attempt to delegitimize the electoral process.

Doug Emhoff: “We Will Win This Election”

Kamala Harris’s husband, Doug Emhoff, expressed optimism, saying in a speech in Detroit: “I think we’re going to win this election and we’re going to win here in Michigan.” Emhoff highlighted the enthusiasm and support for his wife’s campaign, which has crisscrossed the United States in 15 intense weeks of voter outreach.

Kamala Harris and the Democratic team mobilize the voters

Harris visited the Democratic National Committee in Washington to encourage volunteers. She also appealed to voters on local radio, urging everyone to vote, especially in swing states. “We have to do it. Today is voting day and people have to get out and vote,” Harris told an Atlanta radio station, demonstrating how crucial every vote is.

Trump's Election Night: An Ally in Elon Musk

Elon Musk will spend election night at Mar-a-Lago, alongside Trump and his inner circle. Musk, the owner of one of the most influential social media platforms, would guarantee immediate and direct access to Trump, intensifying the former president's media influence during the decisive night.

Trump: Ready to admit defeat, but only if 'the election is fair'

Trump has vowed to accept the election verdict, as long as the process is deemed fair. His statements ring with skepticism about the use of electronic voting machines, underscoring his concern for the integrity of the voting system. Trump, confident of a “not narrow” victory, is set to celebrate with his supporters at the Mar-a-Lago resort.

The US Electoral System: Electoral College and Swing States

The US electoral system awards the presidency not to the candidate with the most popular votes, but to the candidate who obtains at least 270 votes from the Electors. In this context, the United States is divided into 50 states, each of which has a specific number of Electors. The game will be played out above all in the “swing states” — such as Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, Nevada, North Carolina, Georgia and Arizona — where Harris and Trump are almost tied in the polls. The system of mail-in voting, now widespread and controversial, is another element of uncertainty. In some key states, such as Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, mail-in votes will not be counted until after November 5, extending the time for a definitive declaration.

Elections at all levels: House, Senate and local referendums

In addition to the presidency, the elections will see the renewal of the House of Representatives and a third of the Senate. The possibility of a Democratic House and a Republican Senate represents a possible and destabilizing scenario. In addition, US citizens will vote in 41 states for 146 referendums on issues such as minimum wage, funding for the police and civil rights, as well as the already discussed right to abortion.

America of the vote: astronauts and first results

Symbolizing how the vote involves the entire country, three American astronauts aboard the International Space Station voted by mail, using a technology that allows them to transmit votes from space to Earth. In the meantime, the first results are expected during the night hours. Polls will close progressively based on time zones, with Alaska being the last state to complete the voting operations.

Biden: “Let’s Make History by Electing Harris”

On his official profile, President Joe Biden called on voters to support Kamala Harris, calling the vote a chance to “make history.” Biden, who will watch the results from the White House with his wife and staff, said he was confident that a Harris victory would represent a continuation of the progress his administration has made so far.

The unknown of a long night

The 2024 US elections represent a crossroads for the country, with two candidates and two opposing visions of the future of the United States. The result will not be defined only by the popular vote but by the distribution of the Grand Electors in the key states. The long night of voting in the US could last for days, between counting, declarations and a wait that promises to be high tension.