The US presidential election is heating up as Americans cast their votes to decide whether Donald Trump or Kamala Harris will take charge for the next four years. With the race shaping up to be one of the closest contests in US history, The Sun brings you a live interactive map that tracks state-by-state election results in real-time.
Simply scroll down, hover over the map, and click on any state to discover whether it’s leaning Republican (red) or Democrat (blue), along with detailed vote counts.
How Does the Interactive Map Work?
Our interactive tool provides an up-to-date view of the election results. Here’s how it works:
- Live Updates: The map changes dynamically as the votes come in.
- State-by-State Results: Click on any state to see the vote split between Trump and Harris.
- Historical Context: Compare this year’s results with previous elections in 2016 and 2020.
The 2024 election is expected to hinge on seven key battleground states: Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. These swing states hold a combined total of 93 electoral votes, which could determine the winner.
What Makes Swing States So Important?
In US presidential elections, the winner is determined by electoral college votes rather than the national popular vote. Each state has a set number of these votes based on its population, totaling 538 nationwide. A candidate needs at least 270 to secure the presidency.
Swing states are unpredictable, often switching between Republican and Democratic preferences. This year:
- Trump is predicted to lead in Arizona, Nevada, North Carolina, and Georgia.
- Harris has slim advantages in Michigan and Wisconsin.
- Pennsylvania remains a virtual tie and could be the ultimate decider.
How Do Electoral College Votes Work?
Most states follow a winner-takes-all system, meaning the candidate with the most votes in a state wins all its electoral college votes. The exceptions are Maine and Nebraska, which divide their votes proportionally.
Notably, in 2016, Hillary Clinton won the popular vote but lost the election due to Trump’s dominance in key swing states.
A Look Back at Previous Elections
The interactive map also shows results from past elections:
- 2016: Trump won a majority of the swing states, defeating Hillary Clinton despite polls favoring her.
- 2020: The electoral map shifted, and Joe Biden triumphed over Trump, reclaiming several swing states for the Democrats.
Now, Kamala Harris, Biden’s Vice President, faces Trump in a rematch for the Oval Office.
FAQs
1. How often are US presidential elections held?
Presidential elections are held every four years in November.
2. How do candidates secure their party nomination?
Candidates are chosen through state primaries and caucuses, where party members vote for their preferred leader.
3. Who are the independent candidates?
While the major contenders are from the Democratic and Republican parties, independent candidates like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. have also participated. However, Kennedy withdrew earlier this year and endorsed Trump.
4. When will we know the winner?
Although results are typically announced on election night, counting delays can push the final declaration by a few days. In 2020, Joe Biden was confirmed as president-elect on November 7.
5. When will the new president take office?
The new president is sworn in on January 20 at the Capitol in Washington, D.C.
