Technology has noticeably swayed the landscape of U.S. presidential elections, bringing about meaningful shifts in campaign methodologies, voter mobilization, and the dissemination of information. This paradigm shift has precipitated a remarkable reconfiguration of electoral tactics, empowering campaign with cutting edge data analytics, augmenting voter engagement via digital platforms. Also enabling the expeditious conveyance of crucial information. For direct voter engagement social media platforms like twitter, Facebook, and TikTok has become an essential tool.
AI and machine now lead towards micro targeting. That further results in targeting swing voters in key battleground states. Voter trends are struck by various behaviors. Top of them is age factor, category of race, and geographic location. Both parties’ democrat and republican have tailored their media strategies to reach voters in an increasingly digital, polarized, and fast paced media environment. Trump being a part of republican and Kamala Harris part of democrat. It is impossible to predict the outcome of the 2024 U.S. presidential election. Rhetoric is mainly based on public opinion polling. Public opinion plays a major role in shaping election outcomes. Organization of rallies, protest and events are greatly influenced by social media. In this technologically growing world, the traditional methods of voting in elections have changed. One of the most significant advancements in voting in elections is the introduction of electronic voting machines (EVMs). It has enhanced the way we cast our votes.
In the United States, voting is done through the physical ballot papers however their counting in most jurisdictions is done electronically with ballots scanned through optical scanners that read and tabulate votes. State electoral system is highly decentralized. As of 2024, 186.5 million are registered to vote for elections that take place on the 5th of November. California, the state with the largest population has 54 electors while six least populous states and the District of Columbia have only three electoral votes.
One electoral vote in Wyoming, the least populous state, represents about 192000 people, while one vote in Texas which has 40 electoral, one of underrepresented states, represents about 730000 people. As vice president and a former U.S. senator, Harris has been a harmonious spokeswoman for women rights, mainly put light on gender-based violence. Kamala Harris has also endorsed policies aimed at terminating the gender pay differences. Apart from that trump has orthodox family values, believe in strengthen societal structures by endorsing conventional gender walk on part. Beyond supporting abortion rights, Harris champions initiatives that ensure human rights. He has been critical of modern feminist movements, arguing they can undermine traditional values or go too far in their demands. Besides that, he has also highlighted his administration’s effort to create job opportunities for women, like supporting paid family leave for some workers and promoting policies that encourage economic independence.
While trump has constantly in favor to limit abortion rights and pro-life stance leading to underscoring legal limitations. In the case of Israel Palestine conflict, Harris advocates for two state solutions as a visible passageway toward lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians. While foreign policy is strongly pro-Israel, marked by significant actions such as recognizing Jerusalem as Israelis capital and also involved in relocating U.S embassy.
Undoubtedly both supports for Israel, but Harris adopts for a balanced approach addressing Palestinian issue. Though trump go for unilateral pro-Israel direction. They both embody two distinct political ideologies, having divergent views. Trump opposes the affordable care act (Obama), advocate for its repeal and replacement with a system emphasizing market competition and individual choice. While kamala Harris supports broadening healthcare access, including championing a Medicare for all plan to provide universal coverage.
One opposition that kamala Harris is facing is that she was born to an Indian mother and a Jamaican father who migrated to united states for the purpose of education. She was the first person of south Asian descent to contest the us presidential election and was given four months to prepare for election to become the first female president of the United States. The assertion that Elon musk’s support for Donald trump could potentially influence the election outcome warrants a deeper analysis. As musk is one of the most prominent figures in the tech and in the world of business. He is the CEO of companies like TELSA, SPACEX, and X (formerly twitter). As trump remains resolute in his conviction of securing a victory by CNN reports after he has cast his ballot in Florida.
Most of hiccups occurring by mid-day. Democrats focus on reaching younger voters through the help of social media. They focus on heightening the progressive issues, including, climate actions, racial equality, and various healthcare reforms. They also invest in fast checking initiative in order to combat fake news. Overleaf republicans continue to rely on more traditional forms of media, like the involvement of fox news, radio talks and many other conservative websites. Both parties also leverage digital ad campaigns to sway undecided voters or influence key battleground states.
In order to recapitulate predicting the outcome of an election is speculative and vary with different variables, like voter turnout or candidate performance. As of now, based on political trends, polling data and part dynamics, totally the outcome is uncertain. Public opinion, campaign strategies, and unforeseen events will play a role in the whole process. The winner will be determined by the Electoral College system, and the person who secures at least 270 electoral votes will be the next president.
Author is an undergrad student at the school of politics and International Relations, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad