Washington, DC – Election Day has arrived. The polls are now open for the 2024 United States election, which will determine the next president, as well as the composition of the House of Representatives and the Senate. After a whirlwind campaign period, Democratic candidate Kamala Harris and Republican challenger Donald Trump have been crisscrossing the country in a final push to secure votes. Polls leading up to Election Day have shown a tight race, with no clear frontrunner. The outcome of this election will shape US politics and policy for the next four years, and could potentially make history by electing the first female president in Harris or the first convicted felon in Trump. Both candidates have presented contrasting visions for the country’s future, touching on key issues such as the economy, immigration, women’s rights, and democracy. Trump has promised a return to a US “golden age” through economic deregulation and a tough stance on immigration, while Harris has focused on unity, middle class support, and safeguarding US institutions. Both candidates emphasize the significance of this election, with Trump calling it the most important in US history, and Harris labeling it as the most consequential in voters’ lifetimes. The final hours leading up to Election Day saw both candidates campaigning in crucial states to rally support. Early voting has been record-breaking this year, with nearly 81 million votes cast before Election Day. The results of the election will not only reveal the winning candidate but also showcase the changing demographics of the US electorate. The election will be decided by the Electoral College system, with key battleground states like Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Nevada, and North Carolina playing a crucial role in determining the outcome. The race has been marked by historic events and controversies, with Trump facing criminal charges and Harris stepping into the role of Democratic nominee after President Biden withdrew from the race. The final results may take hours or even days to be tabulated, as each state is responsible for counting its ballots. All eyes are on the outcome of this historic election, which will shape the future of the United States for years to come.