The 2024 United States presidential election, set for November 5, 2024, is rapidly approaching, with candidates and their parties gearing up for what promises to be a historic race. This election marks the 60th quadrennial presidential election, involving all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The stakes are high as the American electorate prepares to select the next leader of the free world.

Electoral map for the 2024 election, based on the 2020 census. Source: Wikipedia

Incumbent President Joe Biden, initially the presumptive Democratic nominee, withdrew his bid for re-election in July 2024, citing health concerns. Vice President Kamala Harris has since taken the mantle, becoming the Democratic Party's presumptive nominee. If elected, Harris would be the first woman and the first person of South Asian descent to serve as President of the United States.

On the Republican side, former President Donald Trump is seeking a non-consecutive second term. Despite facing numerous legal challenges, including convictions and ongoing trials, Trump has secured his party's nomination. His running mate is Senator JD Vance of Ohio. Trump's campaign has been marked by controversial rhetoric and claims of electoral fraud, leading to heightened political tensions.

This election also sees a notable third-party presence, with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. running as an independent candidate. Kennedy, a prominent environmental lawyer and member of the Kennedy family, has garnered significant support, reminiscent of Ross Perot's strong showing in the 1992 election.

The key battleground states to watch include Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. These swing states will play a crucial role in determining the election's outcome. Major campaign issues include abortion, immigration, climate change, the economy, and healthcare. With both major parties presenting starkly different visions for America's future, the 2024 presidential election is set to be a pivotal moment in the nation's history.

As November 5 approaches, the candidates will ramp up their campaigns, aiming to secure the crucial 270 electoral votes needed to win. The electoral process, involving the selection of electors through the general elections, remains a cornerstone of American democracy. The winners of this election will be inaugurated on January 20, 2025, ushering in the next chapter of U.S. leadership.

Stay tuned for further updates as the election season unfolds, with debates, rallies, and political strategies shaping the road to the White House. The 2024 election promises to be a defining moment, reflecting the diverse and dynamic nature of American politics.