The race between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump is drawing attention. But we must remember that the presidential election is not just a showdown between Democratic and Republican candidates.
The following people are also running for election: Chase Oliver of the Libertarian Party and Jill Stein of the Green Party. Their names also appeared on the ballot. However, given the peculiarities of American politics, there is no real chance of winning.
American electoral system. What is this about?
The presidential election is determined by the votes of the Electoral College, which has a total of 538 electors. Each state has the same number of electors as members of Congress (three more votes go to the capital, the District of Columbia).
In the 100-member Senate, each state is represented by two senators, while in the 435-member House, the number of members is determined by the population of a particular state (each state has at least one member).
In nearly all states (with the exception of Nebraska and Maine), the winner of that state receives all electoral votes, even if his advantage over his rival is minimal. The states with the most electoral votes are California (54) and Texas (40). The fewest votes, three each, then go to states like Vermont, Wyoming, and Alaska.
Everything about the US presidential election. Donald Trump or Kamala Harris? Read special report
Reference: “Ameryka Wybiera” in Polsat News and Interia. Kamala Harris or Donald Trump?
Importantly, the number of electors is not perfectly proportional to the number of inhabitants. Some states have far more electors per electorate than others. As a result, the candidate who won the least number of votes nationally can become president, as was the case with Donald Trump in 2016.
Discussions are underway to change this system. Supporters of choosing the president by electoral votes argue that this means candidates must campaign across the country, not just in populated areas.
See: New study in the US. President Trump's approval rating declines, Republican officials feel nervous
Turbulent State Contra Safe State
In American elections, attention is focused on swing states. They often have a large number of electoral votes, and we don't know until the last moment whether Republicans or Democrats will win a majority there. This year's battleground states include: Pennsylvania and Michigan.
See also: Rezek Miller: It doesn't matter who becomes president of the United States
The opposite of a hesitant state is a so-called safe state (e.g. Texas for Republicans, California for Democrats). In these states, voter preferences have remained unchanged for years.
America's new president. When is the oath ceremony?
It's worth knowing some important dates related to the US presidential election. Elections are always held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November, but this year they will be held on November 5, 2024. However, you can start voting earlier in the following cases: By mail-in voting.
The Electoral College will meet on December 17th to vote on candidates, with the formal vote counting to take place on January 6th. The new president will take office on January 20, 2025.
Parliamentary elections will be held in parallel with the presidential election, resulting in the election of 33 senators and 435 members of the House of Representatives.
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