The U.S. faces a choice between Harris and Trump: key insights on the 2024 elections (updated).

Presidential elections in the USA are taking place on November 5. Competing for the position of head of state are two candidates: the current Vice President Kamala Harris from the Democratic Party and former President Donald Trump from the Republican Party.

Previous polls indicate a 4% lead for Harris — 51% to 47% for Trump. Particular attention is focused on seven "swing states," where the outcome could go either way. "Telegraph is following the events in real-time.

09:30. In the village of Dixville Notch in New Hampshire, the first election results have already been announced. Trump and Harris each received 3 votes. According to American media, voters from this village, with a population of 12, traditionally vote first at midnight. This tradition has been in place since 1960, when inventor Neil Tillotson would always cast his ballot at this exact time, followed by other villagers.

Voting Started Long Ago

The election system in the USA is fundamentally different from that in Ukraine. The voting process began long before the official election day. More than 75 million Americans have already cast their votes early, either by mail or in person. Polling places in different states close at various times – from 01:00 to 08:00 Kyiv time on November 6.

What the Candidates Say About Ukraine

The candidates' positions on Ukraine differ significantly. Harris advocates for strong support for the Ukrainian state and opposes territorial concessions. Trump emphasizes the need to reassess the level of aid and insists on greater contributions from European countries.

The counting of votes will begin immediately after the polling places close. First, ballots cast on election day will be counted, followed by early votes, and then challenged and overseas ballots.

By December 11, each state must appoint electors, who will gather in their state capitals on December 17 to vote. The final count will take place on January 6 during a joint session of the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Official results of the election will be announced on January 5, 2025, in Congress. The inauguration of the president is scheduled for January 20, 2025 — this will be the 60th ceremony of its kind in US history.

Earlier, "Telegraph" also reported on the nuances of elections in the USA that one needs to know, particularly how the winner will be determined and when the results will be announced.