The fierce and unpredictable US presidential race between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump entered its final stage on Tuesday, with millions of Americans heading to the polls in one of the tightest elections in modern history.
The outcome, which may take hours or even days to be fully known, could result in Kamala Harris making history as the first woman to hold arguably the world’s most powerful position, or hand power back to Trump and his nationalist “America First” agenda.
As voters across the country waited in long lines, several bomb threats were reported at polling stations. Police at the US Capitol, still recovering from the 2020 Trump-supporter riots, arrested a man carrying a flare gun and smelling of fuel. While the FBI and Georgia’s Secretary of State, Brad Raffensperger, dismissed the threats as not credible, they did trace the origin to Russia.
Trump, anticipating a contentious outcome, raised concerns of “massive cheating” in Philadelphia, a Democratic stronghold in the key state of Pennsylvania. Republican City Commissioner Seth Bluestein quickly refuted the claim, calling it “disinformation.”
With polls showing a razor-thin race, the candidates were pushing hard for every vote. Harris, 60, received strong turnout from diverse communities, including Puerto Ricans in Philadelphia, a group previously disparaged at a Trump rally. An early exit poll revealed that voters were most concerned with the issue of democracy—Harris’ signature focus—over the economy.
For Harris, a win would make her the second Black person and the first South Asian to serve as president. Her entry into the race came after President Joe Biden’s withdrawal in July. Despite facing intense opposition, including two impeachment trials and a criminal conviction, Trump, 78, has remained steadfast in his campaign.
Throughout the campaign, Harris, who has toured the country, urged voters to take action. “We’ve got to get it done. Today is voting day, and people need to get out and be active,” she told Atlanta’s WVEE-FM. She criticized her opponent as someone “full of vengeance… all about himself.”
Trump, voting in Florida, expressed confidence in the process but continued to hint at potential fraud. “If it’s a fair election, I would be the first one to acknowledge it,” he said. Many Trump supporters, like Camille Kroskey, cited concerns over voting fraud, prompting them to vote in person.
At polling stations, emotions ran high. “We’re so divided right now,” said Harris supporter Marchelle Beason, 46, in Pennsylvania, highlighting the contrast in the candidates’ visions. Meanwhile, Trump supporter Darlene Taylor, 56, emphasized her desire to “close the border,” a key issue for the Republican base.
The election’s outcome holds global significance, particularly in conflict zones such as Ukraine and the Middle East. Harris has vowed continued support for Ukraine against Russian aggression and efforts to end the Gaza conflict, while Trump has promised a swift resolution to the war in Ukraine, with a more lenient approach to Israel.
Abortion rights have also played a central role, with Harris advocating for women’s rights amid Trump-backed abortion bans.
As the race continues, the control of Congress is also at stake, with Republicans expected to regain control of the Senate, further shaping the future of American politics.
