- Exit polls show Kamala Harris slightly ahead, with close competition from former President Donald Trump.
- Harris leads by narrow margins in critical battleground states, and Trump is working hard to close the gap.
- The election hinges on securing 270 electoral votes, with results expected post-November 5.
Can Trump Win Despite Harris Leading in Exit Polls?
As Americans wait for the final results, all eyes are on the electoral college system. Kamala Harris is leading by a slim margin according to national exit polls, but the election remains unpredictable due to how the electoral college works. Winning the popular vote doesn’t guarantee the presidency, as shown in previous elections where candidates, like Hillary Clinton in 2016, lost the electoral college despite winning more popular votes. For Trump, his path to victory relies on securing key battleground states like Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Arizona.
The election results are anticipated after the last ballots are counted on November 5, and if Harris wins, she would make history as the first woman, African American, and Asian American to assume the presidency. On the other hand, if Trump wins, he’ll join Grover Cleveland as the only president to lose re-election but win in a comeback.
Why is the Electoral College So Important?
The US electoral system’s design means that each state’s electors ultimately decide the presidency. To win, a candidate must secure at least 270 out of 538 electoral votes. In most elections, this process is a formality, as electors typically vote in line with their state’s popular vote. However, there have been rare instances where electors, or “faithless electors,” voted against their state’s choice, as seen in 2016 when some electors defected.
The election’s conclusion depends on this unique system, with the electors set to meet on December 17 to officially cast their votes, and Congress will confirm the results on January 6. Ultimately, the final decision on the presidency will be solidified on January 20, when the winner is inaugurated.
This tight race highlights the importance of every vote and the impact of battleground states in the US election process, adding suspense as both candidates await the final tally.
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