As Election Day dawns, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are in a neck-and-neck battle for the presidency, closing their campaigns with rallies in critical swing states, especially Pennsylvania. Trump, seeking to return to the White House, has promised a “landslide” victory, while Harris, vying to become America’s first female president, is counting on late momentum to tip the scales.
In Pennsylvania—a crucial swing state under the Electoral College system—the candidates are vying for support as record turnout has seen over 78 million Americans cast their votes early, a figure that already matches nearly half of all ballots in 2020.
Former President Trump, 78, would become the oldest person and first felon to win the presidency if successful, while Harris, emphasizing abortion rights to engage women voters, has focused her campaign on countering Trump’s rhetoric on immigration and the economy. Rallying her supporters in Michigan, Harris has pledged to end the Gaza war if elected, a move aimed at gaining support from Michigan’s significant Arab-American population. Trump has meanwhile turned his campaign toward “enemies from within,” with the former president expressing regret over leaving the White House and signalling he may challenge a defeat.
As the world watches, both candidates have introduced influential backers in the final push; Musk has endorsed Trump, while the Obamas and Beyoncé have joined Harris’s campaign. Nigerian-American voter Khuraira Musa voiced her concerns over Trump’s “Project 2025” plan, which she believes threatens Black communities, immigrants, and women. “I’m apprehensive,” she told Daily Trust, explaining her volunteer work helping Democratic voters reach polling stations.
On Monday, NBC polling showed Trump ahead by 2 points in a Republican-leaning scenario, while Harris holds a 3-point lead in a model favouring Democrats. Musa refuted claims that Black voters are moving toward Trump, citing NBC’s recent poll showing Harris with 87% support among Black voters compared to Trump’s 9%. Musa highlighted stark contrasts in immigration policy, noting Trump’s intent to resume mass deportations, while Harris supports a path to citizenship for long-term undocumented residents.
With both campaigns doubling down on key swing states, Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin will likely decide the outcome of this fiercely contested election.
