Harris and Trump clinch early state wins; battlegrounds still in play

Initial projections show Trump and Harris securing early wins, as the focus shifts to pivotal swing states' outcome

PHILADELPHIA:

Republican Donald Trump secured victories in Indiana, Kentucky, and West Virginia in the presidential election, while Democrat Kamala Harris won Vermont, as projected by Edison Research when polls closed in the first nine states, including key battlegrounds like Georgia and North Carolina.

These initial results were anticipated, with the outcome expected to hinge on seven critical swing states: Georgia, North Carolina, Arizona, Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. Polls showed the candidates in a close contest across these states leading up to Election Day.

Preliminary national exit polls indicated nearly 75% of voters believe American democracy is under threat, reflecting widespread concern after a divisive campaign.

Voters identified democracy and the economy as top priorities, each cited by about a third of respondents, followed by abortion and immigration. About 73% felt democracy was at risk, while 25% believed it was secure.

The figures highlighted the deep political polarization in the US, exacerbated by the fierce competition between Trump, who used strong rhetoric casting doubt on the election system, and Harris, who warned that a second Trump term could jeopardize democratic principles.

Hours before the polls closed, Trump claimed without evidence on his Truth Social platform that there was "massive CHEATING" in Philadelphia and later mentioned alleged fraud in Detroit. Philadelphia City Commissioner Seth Bluestein denied the claim, calling it disinformation. Detroit City Clerk Janice Winfrey also dismissed it as "nonsense."

Trump, who cast his ballot in Palm Beach, Florida, expressed willingness to acknowledge a fair election loss. However, his campaign suggested he might declare victory on election night even if many ballots remained uncounted, as he did in 2020. A final outcome could be delayed for days if results in swing states remain close.

Reports indicated orderly voting across the US, with minor disruptions such as non-credible bomb threats traced to Russian email sources. Trump planned to monitor the results at Mar-a-Lago and speak to supporters at a nearby venue, joined by figures like Elon Musk.

Harris, who had previously mailed her ballot in California, encouraged voters through radio interviews and later planned to address students at her alma mater, Howard University. She described returning there as a full-circle moment.

This closely contested election, marked by unprecedented events like assassination attempts on Trump, President Biden’s unexpected withdrawal, and Harris’s rapid political ascent, remains undecided after extensive spending and campaigning.

Regardless of the outcome, history is set to be made. Harris, 60, would become the first woman, Black woman, and South Asian American president. Trump, 78, would be the first president to win non-consecutive terms in over 100 years and the only one impeached twice and criminally convicted.

The balance of power in Congress is also at stake, with Republicans having an advantage in the Senate while the House remains uncertain.

In Dearborn, Michigan, voter Nakita Hogue and her daughter Niemah expressed concern about reproductive rights, prompting their support for Harris. In Phoenix, Arizona, Trump supporter Jesse Miranda, an immigrant and union plumber, said he believed Trump would better manage inflation and immigration.