The first polls closed Tuesday in what has become one of the most closely watched and divisive presidential races in U.S. history, with Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump vying for the White House.
As the nation waits anxiously for the outcome, it could take hours or even days to determine the winner, with significant global and domestic ramifications.
This election has the potential to make history: Harris, 60, could become the first woman to occupy the world’s most powerful office, or Trump, 78, could make a remarkable political comeback, securing a second term on the back of his right-wing “America First” agenda.
Voter turnout was high across the country, with millions braving long lines to cast their ballots. Polls closed at 7:00 PM (0000 GMT Wednesday) in the first six states, including Georgia—a key battleground that is expected to play a pivotal role in determining the outcome.
Early results showed no major surprises: Trump secured Indiana, a Republican stronghold, while Harris won Vermont.
However, the day was not without disruption. Several bomb threats, reportedly linked to Russia, caused delays at polling stations, including in Georgia. Meanwhile, the FBI and local authorities worked to investigate the threats.
In an early preview of what could become post-election legal battles, Trump took to social media to suggest “massive cheating” was underway in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, a Democratic stronghold. City Commissioner Seth Bluestein, a Republican, swiftly denied the claims, calling them “absolutely false.” Trump, however, remained confident, declaring, “We’re going to have a big victory tonight.”
The atmosphere surrounding the election was charged, as fears of unrest lingered. Trump has never conceded his 2020 loss to Joe Biden, and tensions remain high following the January 6 Capitol attack by his supporters. To prepare for any potential violence, authorities in Washington D.C. reinforced security, boarding up buildings and erecting barriers around the White House.
Polling in recent weeks has shown an extremely tight race between Harris and Trump, with both candidates fiercely campaigning in key battleground states. If elected, Harris would not only be the first woman president but also the second Black president and the first of South Asian descent.
Harris, who entered the race only after Joe Biden dropped out in July, has emphasized the importance of defending democracy and protecting voting rights—a message that resonates with many voters in the wake of Trump’s claims of election fraud in 2020. Meanwhile, Trump, who has been impeached twice and convicted of a criminal offense since leaving office, continues to dominate the Republican base despite ongoing legal battles.
As the evening progressed, attention turned to other swing states, with polls closing at 7:30 PM in North Carolina, 8:00 PM in Pennsylvania, and 9:00 PM in Arizona, Michigan, and Wisconsin. The final polls in Nevada will close at 10:00 PM.
The Harris campaign reported strong voter turnout in Philadelphia, especially among Puerto Rican voters—many of whom were targeted by derogatory comments at a Trump rally just a week before the election. Early exit polling by NBC News showed that for many voters, the most pressing issue was the future of American democracy, far surpassing concerns about the economy.
For Harris, this election is not just about political ideology—it’s also about breaking barriers. If she wins, she would make history on multiple fronts.
Meanwhile, Trump, who cast his ballot in Florida near his Mar-a-Lago estate, expressed confidence in the outcome, calling for an “inclusive” approach to leadership.
On the ground, voters like 62-year-old Camille Kroskey, a staunch Trump supporter from Arizona, expressed concerns about election fraud.
“I want to make sure my ballot is counted,” she was quoted as saying to AFP after voting in person. “It’s about trust.”
In Pennsylvania, voter Marchelle Beason, 46, noted longer lines than in previous elections, suggesting heightened interest in the outcome. Darlene Taylor, 56, wearing a homemade Trump shirt, highlighted the border issue as her top priority, reflecting Trump’s hardline stance on immigration.
Trump’s controversial immigration policies, which include promises of mass deportations, have been central to his campaign’s rhetoric. Harris, on the other hand, has used her platform to oppose abortion bans in several states, a position that has resonated with women voters, a key demographic in the race.
Internationally, eyes are on the election, particularly in Ukraine and the Middle East, where the next U.S. president’s stance on global conflicts could have a profound impact on foreign policy and security.
As the polls continue to close and the results trickle in, the world awaits the decision that will shape the future of the United States—and, by extension, the future of global politics.
