A Closer Look at the US Presidential Election
On November 5, an estimated 244 million Americans will participate in the presidential election, a highly complex process documented by Le Monde. The race features Democratic candidate Kamala Harris against Republican Donald Trump, each with their respective running mates. Third-party candidates like Jill Stein and Howie Hawkins also play a role in the election.
An Overview of the Electoral Process
The election is an indirect process involving 538 electors from the Electoral College who ultimately determine the president. Each state receives a number of electors based on its congressional representation, with a candidate needing at least 270 electoral votes to win.
Voting starts weeks before November 5 through early and absentee voting methods. The diverse election laws and procedures make the US electoral process decentralized and intricate, with results being certified and announced in a phased manner.
Counting and Certification of Votes
Ballot counting and result reporting can vary, with the final winner usually declared after extensive verification processes. Certification of election results occurs at the state level, leading up to the Electoral College meeting in mid-December and the formal announcement of results by Congress in early January.
Other Elections on the Horizon
In addition to the presidential election, Americans will vote for various congressional and local positions, as well as on legislative proposals and initiatives. State-specific referendums, including abortion rights and legal deadlines, will also be on the ballot, highlighting the multifaceted nature of the electoral process.