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Election Day 2024: Pennsylvania's Crucial Role in the Presidential Race

2024-11-05 13:58:08.428000

As Election Day unfolds on November 5, 2024, Pennsylvania is at the center of a highly competitive presidential race between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. Both candidates are vying for the state's 19 electoral votes, which have decreased from 20 since the last election [bbf0ab82].

In a dramatic start to the day, Harris and Trump each received three votes in the Dixville Notch midnight vote, signaling a tight race ahead [6d082ba0]. Polls in Pennsylvania opened at 7 a.m. and will close at 8 p.m., with over 1.7 million residents having already cast their ballots by mail, representing about 20% of registered voters [bbf0ab82].

Trump held a rally at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, where he criticized Harris's policies and expressed confidence in Republican turnout. He also campaigned in North Carolina and Michigan, aiming to secure a comeback victory [6d082ba0]. Meanwhile, Harris focused her efforts on emphasizing her commitment to abortion rights and democracy, leading among women voters by 16 points, while Trump holds an 18-point lead among men [6d082ba0].

Delays have been reported at polling locations in Allegheny County, raising concerns about voter accessibility [bbf0ab82]. Secretary of Commonwealth Al Schmidt has assured voters that the election will be conducted fairly and securely, despite ongoing investigations into potential voter registration fraud [6d082ba0].

As the day progresses, both candidates are aware of the significance of Pennsylvania's electoral votes, making it a focal point in their final campaign efforts. Polling indicates Trump currently leads Harris by 0.34% in the state, with early voting trends showing a surge in Republican participation [89c667c3].

The weather is also a factor, with record-high temperatures expected to reach 80°F, potentially influencing voter turnout [bbf0ab82]. Election results are anticipated to be reported in batches after polls close, with official certification scheduled for November 25. However, delays in results are expected due to absentee ballot processing rules, reminiscent of previous elections where results took days to finalize [89c667c3]. Both candidates express confidence in their chances, but the uncertainty surrounding the timing of results adds to the tension of this pivotal moment in American politics [0b89c448].

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