Oh, what a night it’s been in the world of American politics! We’ve seen everything from dramatic voting outcomes to those absolutely indispensable hoax bomb threats, probably cooked up by Putin while he sipped vodka in his Kremlin sauna. Apparently, the Russians thought it’d be a great prank to throw some scare tactics into the mix. I mean, who doesn’t like a little tension on polling day?
Let’s talk polls: they were closing across the U.S.—I can just picture the booths like the last local bar at happy hour, everybody rushing before the doors slam shut on their chance to vote! We’ve got Kamala Harris with three electoral college seats in Virginia while Trump’s out there looking like he’s got a solid 23—he must have made a few friends with the nice folks in Indiana and Kentucky! By the way, here’s a hot tip for anyone calculating the numbers: the magic number to clinch the presidency is 270. Not sure why they picked that number, but if it were me, I’d say they should’ve just gone for 69. I mean, it’s a catchy number, isn’t it?
Now, about those bomb threats… The FBI assured us that the threats were non-credible, which is reassuring because nothing says “free elections” like a little bit of paranoia. Just what we need! A country divided by the ballot box and united by the fear of bombs—talk about making America great again! Georgia was certainly at the center of it all—less Trust but a lot of “weird friend requests” from strange email domains. I’m sure some poor intern at the Bureau was furiously Googling “Russian email domains” and thinking, “Great, now I have to deal with hackers and election integrity!”
Moving on from chaos to, well, chaos—voting was actually going pretty smoothly, aside from a few hiccups that could’ve easily been scripted for a sitcom. Can you imagine? “Oh no, the electoral judge forgot the keys!” Followed by the classic “dun-dun-dun” music. Thank goodness most people were patient and huddled under umbrellas in the rain, looking like they were awaiting a concert instead of casting their votes.
Now, let’s take a moment to appreciate the art of democracy and the sheer luck of being under a downpour while patiently waiting to make a decision that will potentially change the course of history. The midwest might have been flooded, but Americans stood steadfast as our friends in Pennsylvania faced and overcame technical issues with “tabulators.” Yes, what a time to be alive—voters dealing with machines that sound like rejects from the set of ‘Transformers’! “Optimus Prime, coming to count your ballots!”
And, oh, let’s not miss the pop culture aspect. A wax figure of Trump was spotted thrillingly thrusting around New York City. Because apparently, what America really wants is to elect a real-life president while being entertained by a wax version of himself, arms dislocated in an unfortunate Uber ride. Only in America, ladies and gentlemen! It’s almost like the Democrats have decided they need a distraction—a classic case of “look over here while we count those pesky ballots.”
What’s on the minds of voters? According to exit polls, a whopping 73% feel democracy is under threat! That’s some serious anxiety right there—I’d suggest they switch from coffee to herbal tea at that point. And the economy? Don’t even get me started. It appears 45% of voters feel financially worse off than four years ago. Perhaps next time they can add “Promises of Financial Freedom” to the election marketing, accompanied by a catchy jingle that nobody asked for.
Finally, when dusk falls, everyone’s waiting for that golden number of 270 electoral votes. You get the feeling that this race is colder than a penguin in Antarctica! As the night unfolds, we watch, we wait, we ponder our choices while contemplating how Mr. Musk chose to spend the election night with Trump—like a poorly cast buddy movie where you just know the sequel’s going to be absolutely absurd.
So grab your popcorn, dear reader, because whether you’re with Team Trump or Team Harris, it’s going to be one heck of an entertaining night. Who knows? We might even witness some new “political candidacies” emerge after this. Remember, vote wisely—but remember, it’s just politics; it’s supposed to be fun and chaotic too!
What we know so far
- Polls are closing nationwide in the US, including critical swing states like Georgia and North Carolina, as voters finalize their choices in a high-stakes election.
- At approximately 12:30 AM Irish time, Democratic nominee and US Vice President Kamala Harris secured three electoral college votes from Virginia, while her opponent, Republican nominee and former president Donald Trump, accumulated 23 electoral votes with anticipated wins in Indiana, North Carolina, and Kentucky.
- To win the presidency, candidates must accumulate 270 of the total 538 electoral college votes available across all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
- Voting proceeded largely without major disruption across the nation, despite unfounded bomb threats targeting polling locations in key swing states.
Key reads
Polling day experienced relatively smooth operations throughout the United States, with isolated disruptions reported.
Leading up to today, over 82 million Americans participated in early voting, indicating substantial voter engagement despite minor challenges, particularly in Pennsylvania.
Cait Conley, a senior adviser to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, noted that issues encountered were anticipated routine events, with no significant threats to election security being monitored at a national level.
Problems faced by voters included standard election-related issues, such as workers misplacing keys in Arizona’s largest county, and an election judge failing to appear in Pennsylvania’s Allegheny County. Various precincts also dealt with check-in complications and glitches in e-pollbooks, leading to delays for individuals attempting to vote.
Severe weather conditions affected parts of the central US, causing flooding and some polling sites to temporarily lose power, forcing at least one location in Missouri to utilize a generator for continued voting.
Voters in rain-affected states displayed resilience, huddling under umbrellas while lining up to cast their choices.
In western Pennsylvania, reports surfaced regarding issues with tabulator machines responsible for reading and counting ballots. A Pennsylvania state judge mandated that polling hours in Cambria County be extended for an additional two hours due to a software malfunction, although county officials assured that no voters were denied entry and all ballots would be counted.
Georgia is likewise experiencing delayed openings and subsequent late closings in a handful of precincts due to unfounded bomb threats. Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger confirmed that two precincts in Cobb County will remain operational until 7:20 PM local time due to earlier equipment malfunctions.
Polls have also closed in North Carolina and Ohio.
West Virginia called for Trump
According to the Associated Press, West Virginia has been officially called for Donald Trump.
As polling closes in pivotal swing states like Georgia and Florida, Trump supporters are gathering in Palm Beach, awaiting the candidate’s appearance at an event speculated to be attended by prominent figures such as Elon Musk and UFC chief Dana White.
Trump is also projected to secure Indiana, while initial race calls indicate Kentucky will favor him, whereas Vermont is expected to back Kamala Harris.
Vermont, with three electoral votes, has consistently leaned Democratic since Bill Clinton’s election in 1992.
Conversely, Kentucky, boasting eight electoral votes, has remained a Republican stronghold since the 1950s. – Reuters
Hoax bomb threats linked to Russia target polling stations in key states, says FBI
Hoax bomb threats directed at polling locations in crucial election states have reportedly originated from Russian email domains, according to the FBI.
The locations affected by these threats include Georgia, Michigan, Arizona, and Wisconsin.
“None of the threats have been verified as credible at this point,” stated the FBI, emphasizing its commitment to the integrity of the electoral process.
The magic number
There’s one key figure to watch for tonight: 270.
That’s the number of electoral college votes a candidate needs to clinch the presidency by majority.
Swing states are crucial in this year’s electoral college battle.
The number of electors reflects a state’s population. All bar two states employ a winner-takes-all approach to their number of electors. Maine and Nebraska send electors on a proportional basis.
A total of 93 electoral college seats are up for grabs between the seven swing states.
[[US election explained: How does the electoral college work?Opens in new window ]
Milwaukee to recount 31,000 ballots
Election officials in Milwaukee, Wisconsin announced they will recount approximately 31,000 of the 106,000 ballots due to poll workers failing to properly secure tabulating machines during the vote count.
Seals beneath the doors of the machines remained intact, and no tampering evidence was found, as stated by Jeff Fleming, spokesperson for Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson.
“This recount serves as a precautionary measure,” Fleming explained, attributing the situation to “human error.” – Reuters
A national exit poll by Edison Research highlighted several pivotal issues influencing voter decisions in this election.
Forty-four percent of voters nationwide expressed a favorable view of Trump, down slightly from 46% in the 2020 exit poll. Meanwhile, 54% viewed him unfavorably, marking a modest increase from 52% in 2020.
Forty-eight percent of voters expressed a favorable view of Harris, in contrast to 52% who held the same opinion for Biden in 2020. On the contrary, 50% viewed her unfavorably, up from 46% for Biden.
Seventy-three percent of voters nationwide believe that democracy in the United States is under threat, while only 25% felt it was secure.
Thirty-one percent of voters felt the economy was the most pressing issue in the presidential election, with 11% prioritizing immigration, 14% placing abortion as their top cause, and 34% focusing on foreign policy concerns.
Forty-five percent of voters nationwide indicated their family’s financial situation has worsened compared to four years ago, while only 20% felt better off. A mere 30% reported no change in their financial circumstances.
Fifty-one percent of voters stated they trust Trump more to handle economic issues, while 47% placed their trust in Harris. – Reuters
The initial polls are closing, prompting a review of our explanatory content on swing states and their electoral significance.
The first polls have closed across the United States, marking the end of voting in several Indiana counties and eastern Kentucky.
Voting will conclude in other regions at 7 PM, coinciding with poll closures in numerous states, including swing state Georgia. – Guardian
Elon Musk was named in a proposed class action on Tuesday in Texas, filed by registered voters claiming fraud related to his $1 million-a-day giveaway aimed at supporting the US Constitution.
The complaint, initiated by Arizona resident Jacqueline McAferty, alleges that Musk and his America PAC organization induced voters to sign under false pretenses, asserting they would have a chance to win in a random selection when in reality, winners were predetermined.
The suit also contends that defendants profited from the giveaway by attracting traffic to Musk’s X platform, while collecting personal information that could potentially be sold.
McAferty lodged the lawsuit shortly after a Philadelphia judge denied a request from the district attorney Larry Krasner to cease the giveaway, labeling it an illegal lottery.
Despite the district attorney’s move, Musk has not expressed plans to distribute any more funds post-election.
The giveaway attracted participants from seven battleground states in support of free speech and gun rights, with the class action seeking at least $5 million in damages for signers. Musk is a Texas resident with his electric vehicle company Tesla based in Austin.
He has been an active supporter of Republican Donald Trump in this election against Kamala Harris. – Reuters
Exit poll shows most voters believe US democracy is under threat
A staggering 73% of voters in Tuesday’s presidential election believe American democracy is under threat, according to national exit poll data from Edison Research.
The poll results reflect general anxiety fueled by a highly contentious campaign between Democrat Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump.
Democracy and the economy emerged as the most vital issues for voters, followed closely by abortion and immigration concerns. The stark finding underscores the deep fears held by many as election day unfolded.
These survey results provide insight into the sentiments of millions of individuals who participated in early and election day voting. The preliminary data remains subject to change as more voters are surveyed throughout the evening.
While waiting patiently in organized lines, millions of Americans were faced with crucial choices that could shape the nation’s future. – Reuters
Good evening, it’s Glen Murphy here to guide you through the early hours. Thanks to my colleague Fiachra Gallagher for his earlier coverage.
We expect to see preliminary results unfolding after midnight Irish time.
Here are some snapshots from polling stations all over the US.
Kamala Harris made an unexpected stop at the Democratic National Committee headquarters in Washington, D.C., where she joined a phone banking event filled with enthusiastic volunteers.
After previously refusing to concede the 2020 election, Trump recently adopted a somewhat more conciliatory stance upon casting his vote in Florida, asserting, “If I lose an election – a fair election – I’ll be the first one to acknowledge it.”
“I may regret that statement, but I’m hearing we’re doing very well,” Trump added, attempting to assuage concerns regarding civil unrest following the outcome, stating, “My supporters are not violent people.”
“I certainly don’t want any violence.” – Bloomberg
U.S. Capitol Police arrested a man on Tuesday afternoon for suspicious behavior at the Capitol Building, which houses Congress.
The FBI revealed that bogus bomb threats targeting polling places appear to have originated from Russian domains, with careful monitoring of the situation by federal agencies.
“None of the threats have been verified as credible thus far,” the FBI added, confirming that election integrity remains a top priority.
Several polling sites in Georgia were briefly evacuated due to these unfounded threats, highlighting ongoing security concerns surrounding the election. – Reuters
Elon Musk is reportedly spending election night surrounded by Donald Trump and energized supporters, an event complemented by significant financial contributions to Trump’s campaign through America PAC.
His active involvement in the campaign rallies coupled with engagement on social media demonstrates his commitment to Trump’s vision.
For anyone seeking company on election night, Democrats Abroad Ireland are organizing an election watch party at the Arlington Hotel in Dublin, promising a lively atmosphere as supporters await the results.
Voters across the US are also determining the future legislative makeup of the Senate and the House of Representatives during this pivotal election.
Republicans currently hold a slim majority in the House, while Democrats command a slight edge in the Senate, underscoring the importance of today’s ballot. All House seats are up for election, with 34 contested in the Senate.
Intelligence agencies warn of foreign interference threats
Federal officials remain vigilant against potential foreign interference in the US elections, although no significant threats have emerged thus far.
Warning notices from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, the FBI, and intelligence officials were issued regarding increased attempts aimed at influencing election outcomes.
On Tuesday, Cait Conley from the cybersecurity agency indicated a growing concern over the amplification of foreign influence operations.
Trump and Harris cast their ballots
Voters are heading to polling places nationwide, with both candidates having already cast their ballots.
Donald Trump confidently expressed optimism while voting in Palm Beach, Florida, highlighting strong Republican turnout.
“It looks like Republicans have shown up in force,” the 78-year-old stated, demonstrating his efforts to rally support wearing a red Make America Great Again cap.
Kamala Harris utilized a mail-in ballot to cast her vote from California. – PA
A tightly contested election is nearing its conclusion, as voters across 50 states finalize their choices in the polls with results anticipated throughout the night.
The first results will begin to arrive around 11:00 PM Irish time when polls close in Indiana and Kentucky—which are both solidly Republican—leading to expected outcomes.
The first swing state results are likely to come from Georgia at around midnight Irish time, with the bulk of updates expected approximately one hour later. For detailed information regarding the timing of results, refer to Hugh Linehan’s US election night guide.
Our Washington correspondent Keith Duggan, along with reporters Steven Carroll and videographer Enda O’Dowd, will provide updates throughout the night as results develop and the election continues to unfold.
Welcome to our live coverage of the 2024 US election as Americans decide who will serve as their 47th president.
Originally expected to feature incumbent Joe Biden, the election has taken many twists, culminating in a contest between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump.
As election day approaches, both candidates have emphasized their stance on democracy, believing the outcome will determine its future in the country.
The uncertainty surrounding their subsequent campaigns has resulted in pervasive anxiety as voters prepare to make critical decisions.
Our Washington correspondent Keith Duggan has provided comprehensive coverage leading up to this significant day. Read his latest article here for more insights.
It seems that you’ve shared an excerpt from an article regarding election coverage, featuring details about key figures like Elon Musk, Donald Trump, and Kamala Harris, as well as information about election events and foreign interference concerns. It discusses the atmosphere surrounding the election night, the involvement of notable personalities in campaign activities, and the anticipated outcomes of the elections for the Senate and the House of Representatives.
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