Americans go to the polls in US presidential election as Donald Trump takes on Kamala Harris

Americans are heading to the ballot today in the US presidential election as Donald Trump faces off against Kamala Harris. Pollsters anticipate a closely contested race, with the results expected to be announced overnight. Trump, the Republican nominee, aims to reclaim the presidency after losing to Joe Biden in 2020. He previously served as president from 2016 to 2020, defeating Hillary Clinton in the 2016 election. Trump’s running mate is Ohio Senator JD Vance.

On the other hand, Democrat candidate Harris is vying to elevate from her current position as Vice President. In July, she assumed the nominee role after Biden’s withdrawal. Concerns over Biden’s health arose, particularly after his struggle in a TV debate against Trump. Consequently, Biden ceded his candidacy about a month later under pressure from fellow Democrats. Harris is partnered with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, known for his critique of Trump’s administration.

Notably, the President is elected through the electoral college system, whereby each state’s winner receives a corresponding number of electors. Securing 270 electoral votes ensures victory, occasionally resulting in the winner receiving fewer popular votes, as seen in 2016 when Clinton garnered millions more votes than Trump but lost the election.

Interestingly, a recent poll indicated that Trump enjoys considerable support in Scotland compared to other Western European countries, with a quarter of Scottish adults favouring his re-election. Meanwhile, over half of Scots back Kamala Harris. Italy emerged as the only European nation showing less support for the Democrat candidate than Scotland.

In conclusion, the US presidential election between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris is poised to be a tight race, with implications not just for the United States but also garnering attention worldwide, including in European countries like Scotland. Voters across America anxiously await the outcome, as the future leadership of the nation hangs in the balance.