Election day in the United States has finally arrived, with millions of Americans heading to the polls to decide between Republican candidate Donald Trump and Democratic candidate Kamala Harris. This race is shaping up to be one of the most closely contested in recent U.S. history, following intense campaigning from both sides. Polls in some states opened as early as 05:00 ET (10:00 GMT), and a record-breaking number of early ballots—over 82 million—have already been cast. The final vote tally could decide the future direction of the country, as the candidates’ platforms reflect contrasting visions for America.
Kamala Harris stepped up as the Democratic nominee after President Joe Biden exited the race, quickly consolidating her campaign around issues such as reproductive rights and economic relief for working families. On the other hand, Trump, who survived two assassination attempts this year, has proposed sweeping measures on immigration and tax reform, pledging to “secure the border” and offer substantial tax cuts. With both candidates making their final appeals in key swing states—Trump in Michigan and Harris in Pennsylvania—the election outcome remains uncertain, hinging on last-minute voters and swing-state decisions.
Rogan Endorses Trump After Musk’s Support
Adding a late twist to the election, prominent podcaster Joe Rogan announced his endorsement of Donald Trump just days after the former president appeared on his show. Rogan’s support follows an endorsement from tech mogul Elon Musk, who described Trump’s policies as practical and compelling for America’s future. The popular podcaster cited Musk’s influence in his decision, sharing that he aligns with Musk’s perspective on Trump “every step of the way.”
Rogan’s endorsement is significant given his immense following, which includes many young voters and independents who may be swayed by his political views. In his remarks, Rogan stated, “For the record, yes, that’s an endorsement of Trump.” As Trump’s campaign leans into populist themes and economic reforms, Rogan’s public support may give the Republican candidate a last-minute boost, especially among undecided voters. This unexpected endorsement has fueled anticipation and debate across media platforms, intensifying the electoral stakes as Americans head to the polls.
Closing Rallies: Trump in Michigan, Harris in Pennsylvania
In their final rallies, Trump and Harris made last-ditch efforts to energize their supporters in key battleground states. Trump wrapped up his campaign at the Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he focused on the economy and immigration, key themes of his campaign. He reiterated promises to implement the death penalty for crimes involving immigrants who harm American citizens and pledged to address inflation and bring back manufacturing jobs to the U.S. “With your vote, we’re going to save America,” he told his supporters in a rousing speech.
Harris, meanwhile, closed her campaign with a rally in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, appealing to young voters and new voters in particular. She ended with a call for unity and resilience, saying, “Tonight we finish as we started: with energy, optimism, joy.” Harris, who has centered her campaign on expanding healthcare access and protecting reproductive rights, expressed her pride in the coalition her team had built, stating, “Ours is not a fight against nothing, but for something.” Her final words underscored her commitment to winning over younger Americans and first-time voters, whom her campaign views as critical for victory.
First Results in New Hampshire’s Midnight Vote
As the election unfolds, the small New Hampshire community of Dixville Notch became the first to report results, with a rare tie between Trump and Harris, each receiving three votes. This tiny township traditionally opens its polls at midnight and is often seen as an early indicator, though its small size limits its predictive power. Still, the symbolic significance of the midnight vote is often a point of interest, and this year’s tie reflects the broader uncertainty hanging over the election.
The close result in Dixville Notch sets the tone for a potentially nail-biting evening, with several battleground states, including Michigan and Pennsylvania, expected to play pivotal roles. As Americans cast their ballots throughout the day, both campaigns remain on edge, awaiting results that could reshape the nation’s political landscape. With the East Coast largely asleep for now, international audiences are closely monitoring U.S. media for early indicators as the race moves into the critical hours that will determine the next U.S. president.
