Brace yourselves for an electrifying spectacle that captures hearts and minds worldwide—it’s election night in the United States! Every four years, this event unfolds into a vibrant celebration full of electoral maps, dramatic calls, unexpected surprises, and the thrill of determining winners and losers.
From past experiences, I can attest that the night takes on a life of its own; it’s rarely predictable, and tonight might just feel like a thrilling rollercoaster ride. So, if you’re planning to burn the midnight oil, here are a few crucial insights you’ll want to keep in mind.
Exit Polls
First off, let’s talk about exit polls. These surveys collect insights from voters right after they cast their ballots, offering a sneak peek into the early lead in various states and the hot topics that swayed voters. However, don’t get too excited just yet—these figures aren’t set in stone. As actual results roll in, trends can shift dramatically, so approach these numbers with cautious optimism.
The Midnight Calls
As the clock strikes midnight Irish time, the first wave of states will announce their voting outcomes. Following that, updates from 1 AM, 2 AM, and 3 AM will keep you glued to your screens. With no single entity overseeing vote counting, the major networks—CBS, ABC News, NBC News, and CNN—will start to make their projections. If a network is confident in their analysis, they might “call” a state, or even declare the winner of the election itself. The Associated Press has long served as the gold standard for reliable election results, boasting over 200 years of experience in the field.
Latest Buzz for the 2024 Elections
270 to Win
Central to Election Night is the electoral college map, a colorful display showcasing the ongoing battle for power. States will be quickly claimed by either Donald Trump or Kamala Harris, transforming the map into a kaleidoscope of red and blue. Each state has a specific number of the 538 total electoral votes, granted based on population size. Both candidates will likely secure around 200 votes each fairly swiftly, but hitting that coveted 270 will hinge on a handful of swing states.
Oh, and for the thrill-seekers out there—a 269-269 tie could be in the cards!
The Swing States
If the forecasts turn out to be accurate, key battlegrounds like Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, Nevada, North Carolina, Georgia, and Arizona will dictate the future leader of the nation. PA, MI, and WI form the storied “blue wall,” while GA, AZ, NV, and NC are often termed “sunbelt” states. Interestingly, Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District could play an unexpected role as a potential kingmaker on this exhilarating night.
Mail-in Ballots
Be prepared for a torrent of information regarding mail-in ballots—those votes that are mailed in within the U.S. Some swing states, notably Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, only commence processing these on Election Day. Although states will strive to tally these as swiftly as possible, some delays might arise.
Overseas Ballots
For U.S. citizens living abroad and military members, ballots can still be posted up until Election Day, meaning their votes won’t contribute to today’s results. In previous elections, these overseas votes lacked a significant impact, but in particularly tight races, including those from Ireland, they could make all the difference.
House and Senate Races
While the spotlight shines brightly on Harris and Trump, don’t overlook the “down ballot” races. A hefty 34 of the 100 Senate seats and all 435 House positions are up for grabs. A president’s effectiveness largely hinges on having their party in control of either the House or the Senate—ideally both. A thrilling night could see a flip in the Senate from Democratic to Republican control, while the House could experience a surprising shift in power as well.
And if you spot some elephants and donkeys on your screen, remember: elephants represent Republicans and donkeys symbolize Democrats.
Watch Out for Premature Calls
Every news outlet wants to be the first to call it, but sometimes they trip up. A classic example is from November 2000 when networks prematurely declared Florida for Democrat Al Gore. Shortly after, Fox News retracted that, giving the state to Republican George W. Bush before retracting again after a recount became necessary. As close races acquire legal scrutiny this year, networks may tread carefully with their announcements.
Counts and Legal Battles
Flashback to Election Night 2020: Republicans initiated legal actions to halt ballot counting in Pennsylvania and Georgia, alleging irregularities. As we gear up for this election, nearly 200 lawsuits concerning election integrity, primarily from allies of Trump, are already on the table. Expect legal scuffles to play out in critical swing states.
The Shifting Mirages
Mirages often appear when results initially suggest that one candidate is winning, only for the tables to turn as more data comes in.
Popular Vote Versus Electoral College
Remember, there’s always a popular vote winner, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they snag the presidency. The electoral college ultimately decides the victor. Take 2016 as an exemplar; Hillary Clinton secured more total votes, yet Trump harvested the 270 electoral votes vital for claiming the Oval Office.
Victory Speeches
Traditionally, once a winner is projected, they take a moment to deliver a victory speech. However, in 2020, Trump broke with convention by asserting victory before the formal results were available. He still holds firm to his claims about that election. Observers anticipate he may declare an early victory tonight, even if Harris is leading.
In Conclusion…
The stakes couldn’t be higher. We know the key players. As polls close, the anticipation will skyrocket. Will we know who America’s 47th president is before the night ends, or could it be a long wait? One thing is clear: it’s going to be must-watch television.
For those eager to stay updated, RTÉ’s live broadcast kicks off at 11:20 PM, primarily tracking projections from CBS. Additionally, the RTÉ News app will host a dynamic results map powered by data from Reuters.
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
Axadle international–Monitoring
