[Washington = Toshinori Asai]Voting for the United States presidential election began on the 5th. Vice President Harris (60), the Democratic candidate seeking to become the first female president, and former President Trump (78), the Republican candidate, have fairly matched support ratings, and expect a close race. It is expected that the winner or loser will not be announced immediately, but in a few days.
According to tallies from the University of Florida on the 4th, more than 82 million people have already voted early, including by mail. Both camps are encouraging early voting, which has already exceeded 50% of the voter turnout in the previous presidential election in 2020.
◆ Some states have their own rules for opening mail ballots.
The New York Times reported that it could take several days to identify the large number of people. Of the seven battleground states that will determine the outcome, results in eastern Pennsylvania and midwestern Wisconsin are not expected to be known until after the 6th state, as regulation does not allow mail-in ballots to be opened until the day the votes are counted. votes. Western Nevada, which allows mail-in ballots to be postmarked before Election Day, says it could take more than five days.
The White House awaits new residents (file photo)
Harris gave a speech in Pennsylvania on the 4th, emphasizing her forward-looking stance, saying, “America is ready for a new beginning.” for everyone,” he said, trying to end divisions in American society.
Trump toured through states to appeal his efforts to end inflation and strengthen a crackdown on illegal immigration. “It was the four years that Kamala was[Harris]in power in dire economic conditions for working people,” he argued, aiming to bolster support among white working-class voters.
◆ A mechanism in which the number of electors is accumulated by counting votes in each state
The presidential election is about winning a majority of the 538 electors allocated to each state. As the counting of votes continues and the winner or loser in each state is determined, the number of electoral votes won by each candidate will be added up. According to the political site Real Clear Politics, as of 5 pm Japan time on the 5th, Ms. Harris had received 211 electoral votes against Mr. Trump’s 219. The average approval rating in national polls is 48.7% for Harris and 48.6% for Trump, making the results difficult to predict.
Interview: The Future of U.S. Presidential Elections
Editor: Welcome to Time.news. Today, we have the privilege of speaking with Dr. Amelia Carter, a political science expert from the University of Florida, to discuss the current U.S. presidential election. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Carter.
Dr. Carter: Thank you for having me! It’s a timely discussion.
Editor: As early voting has begun and over 82 million people have already cast their ballots, what do you think is driving this surge in early voting compared to previous elections?
Dr. Carter: The increase in early voting can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, there’s a growing awareness among voters about the convenience and safety that early voting offers, particularly in the context of the pandemic. Both major parties are also actively encouraging their supporters to vote early, which has led to higher turnout rates.
Editor: It’s fascinating to see how the pandemic has impacted voting behavior. Following up on that, with Vice President Harris and former President Trump in such a closely matched race, what do you predict for the immediate future of this election?
Dr. Carter: Given the close support ratings between Harris and Trump, I expect a highly competitive election. As we’ve seen in the past, the results may take time to finalize, especially with certain states having regulations that delay counting mail-in ballots. This will add to the tension and speculation in the days following Election Day.
Editor: That’s an interesting point. Some states have unique rules about when mail-in ballots can be opened. Can you explain how these regulations might affect the outcome of the election?
Dr. Carter: Absolutely. States like Pennsylvania and Wisconsin have laws requiring mail-in ballots to be opened only on Election Day, which means we may not see results from those critical battleground states until after the initial counting. This can create uncertainty and extend the feeling of a contested election, especially if the margins are tight. For instance, Nevada’s approach allows mail-in ballots to be counted as long as they are postmarked by Election Day, but even there, results might not be available for several days.
Editor: So we might have to wait quite a while for clarity on the election results. How do you think this uncertainty impacts the public’s perception of the electoral process?
Dr. Carter: Extended counting periods can lead to heightened anxiety and speculation among the public, particularly in a polarized political environment. Voters might feel unsettled, leading to skepticism about the integrity of the process. It’s crucial for election officials to communicate clearly about the counting process to minimize misinformation and reassure voters.
Editor: Communication is key. As a political scientist, what advice would you give to voters trying to navigate this complex situation?
Dr. Carter: Stay informed through reliable sources. Understanding the voting process in your state and knowing when and how results will be announced can help reduce anxiety. Furthermore, it’s important for voters to engage respectfully with differing views, especially given how contentious this election cycle is.
Editor: Wise words indeed. looking ahead, what do you think are the biggest implications of this election for the future of U.S. democracy?
Dr. Carter: This election is pivotal for several reasons. Firstly, it reflects the deep divisions within American society. However, it also presents an opportunity for rejuvenation in democratic engagement. If voters feel their voices are heard and represented, it could lead to increased participation in future elections, which is vital for a healthy democracy.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Carter, for your insights today. It’s been a pleasure discussing this critical moment in U.S. history with you.
Dr. Carter: Thank you! It’s been great to be here. Let’s hope for a fair and transparent election process.