Kamala Harris called Trump a "wannabe dictator" (Image: AFP via Getty Images)

US election 2024 - Everything you need to know including key timings and swing states

by · Daily Record

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Describing the 2024 US election as close would be an understatement, as national polls indicate a neck-and-neck race between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump.

Both candidates are within 2.5 points of each other in every crucial swing state. This reflects a nation deeply divided on issues such as abortion access, immigration and economic management strategies.

Both campaigns have been vigorously targeting key swing states, even holding competing campaign rallies on the same day in Las Vegas, Nevada and Milwaukee, Wisconsin this week. In Milwaukee, both campaigns managed to rally more than 10,000 voters each.

As November 5 approaches, the rhetoric from both candidates has escalated to levels rarely seen, even in America's boisterous political landscape, the Mirror reports.

Trump consistently refers to Ms Harris as a "dummy" and a "low IQ individual". Meanwhile, Kamala has also been upfront about criticisms of her opponent.

At a massive rally in Washington DC last week, Vice President Harris slammed Trump, calling him a "wannabe dictator" as an estimated 100,000 supporters gathered to back her. She has depicted Trump as "unstable", "obsessed with revenge", and intent on initiating widespread deportations and rolling back women's rights should he be victorious in the election.

For those keen to follow the unfolding drama of the US election, here's all you need to know – including details about the exit poll, which will differ significantly from what we're accustomed to in the UK.

Democratic presidential nominee and United States Vice President Kamala Harris (Image: AP)

When will we find out who the next US president is?

With the polls neck and neck, it seems highly improbable that a winner will be announced on Wednesday, or even within a week after the election. However, there is mounting concern that Trump might prematurely claim victory on election night, mirroring his actions in 2020.

While campaigns typically concentrate their efforts on mobilising voters in the final stretch, the Trump team has redirected staff and funds towards "election integrity" operatives in search of reasons to challenge the fairness of the vote.

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Regardless of who is ultimately declared the victor on Tuesday, the saga of the 2024 US election is likely to continue well beyond that point.

Key timings

Exit polls are conducted on a state-by-state basis and can be reported from 10pm UK time, but they won't predict the winner. Instead, they'll provide insights into which demographic groups have voted for each candidate and what issues have been important to them.

The closing times of the polls vary from state to state and there are seven 'swing' states which could vote either way.

Donald Trump's speeches have become darker and more menacing (Image: Getty Images)

Here's a list by closing time, with swing states highlighted:

Midnight: Georgia , Indiana, Kentucky, South Carolina, Vermont, Virginia

12.30am: North Carolina , Ohio, West Virginia

1am: Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Oklahoma, **Pennsylvania,**, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Washington DC

1.30am: Arkansas

2am: Arizona, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan , Minnesota, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, South Dakota, Texas, Wisconsin , Wyoming

3am: Montana, Nevada , Utah

4am: California, Idaho, Oregon, Washington

5–6am: Alaska, Hawaii

More politics news

The rust belt, encompassing Michigan, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania, is historically known for its coal mining, steel production and manufacturing industries. These states were crucial to Trump's 2016 White House victory, but Biden reclaimed them in 2020.

The Sun Belt includes 15 states, with Arizona, Nevada, North Carolina and Georgia being the main focus.

What do the latest polls suggest? As of now, FiveThirtyEight's poll of polls reveals a neck-and-neck race.

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