US Election 2024: How Do Americans Elect Their President?
With global attention on the upcoming US election 2024, American citizens will cast their votes next month to elect a new president. This article outlines the simple process through which U.S. citizens exercise their voting rights. The new government will begin its four-year term in January 2025, and in addition to choosing a president, Americans will also elect members of Congress, who play a vital role in passing laws that impact citizens’ lives. While the president has some authority to approve laws, most legislation requires collaboration with Congress. Internationally, the U.S. president represents the country abroad and holds considerable freedom in foreign policy. This election change the world policy because Trump against war.
In the U.S., presidents are not elected through a direct popular vote but rather through the Electoral College. The Project 2025 Summary document is also important for the next President, whether follow their policies or not.
Electrol College Details Explained
What is the Electoral College?
The Electoral College is the most critical and complex institution in the U.S. presidential election process. Essentially, it is a body that elects the president, with its members, called electors, chosen by popular vote. When Americans go to the polls in November, they are actually voting for these electors, who collectively form the Electoral College and ultimately choose the president and vice president. The voting in early November, traditionally held on the first Tuesday of the month, is technically for these electors, whose names are listed as representatives of each candidate. In December, the elected electors gather in their respective states to cast their votes for the president.
In the past, electors could vote as they pleased, but now they are legally bound to vote for the candidate they pledged to support.
How Does the Electoral College Work?
Each U.S. state has a certain number of electors in the Electoral College, proportional to its population, with a total of 538 electors. The number of electors for each state is equivalent to its representation in Congress (both in the House of Representatives and the Senate). For example, a state with 10 representatives and two senators would have 12 electoral votes. California, the most populous state, has the highest number of electors at 55, while states with smaller populations, like Wyoming, Alaska, and North Dakota, each have the minimum of three electors.
To win the presidency, a candidate needs the support of at least 270 of the 538 electors. In most states, all electoral votes go to the candidate who receives the majority of the popular vote in that state. For example, if a Republican candidate wins 50.1% of the vote in Texas, they receive all 38 of the state’s electoral votes. Only Maine and Nebraska allocate their electoral votes proportionally, based on the distribution of popular votes. This is why presidential candidates focus on “swing states,” where the outcome could go either way.
While a candidate can receive the most popular votes nationwide, they may still lose the presidency if they do not secure enough electoral votes, as was the case in 2016 when Hillary Clinton received the most votes but lost in the Electoral College.
Do Electors Always Vote for the Winning Candidate?
In some states, electors have the freedom to vote for their preferred candidate, even if that candidate did not win the popular vote in their state. However, electors typically vote for the candidate who received the most votes in their state.
What If No Candidate Wins a Majority?
If no candidate receives a majority of electoral votes, the House of Representatives elects the president. This situation has only occurred once, in 1824, when electoral votes were split among four candidates, preventing any from winning a majority. Given that modern U.S. politics is dominated by two parties, this outcome is unlikely to happen again.
Who Can Vote in the U.S. Presidential Election?
Most U.S. citizens aged 18 or older are eligible to vote in the presidential election. Voters in all states, except North Dakota, must register before voting, with each state setting its own registration deadlines and procedures. American citizens living abroad can register using the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA).
What Else is on the Ballot in November?
In addition to the presidential election, voters will also elect members of Congress. Congress consists of the House of Representatives, with 435 seats up for election, and the Senate, with 100 seats. Currently, Republicans hold a majority in the House, which oversees the country’s budget, while Democrats control the Senate, which votes on significant government appointments.
U.S. Presidential Election Expenses: Estimated at 4.42 Trillion Rupees
The U.S. presidential election scheduled for November 5, 2024, is estimated to cost around $15.9 billion (44 trillion rupees), including the elections for Congress members in the House of Representatives. This expense, when converted to Pakistani rupees, equates to 4.42 trillion rupees, which is roughly 52% of Pakistan’s total export revenue for the fiscal year 2023-24.
According to the non-partisan organization “OpenSecrets,” external groups, who often support specific candidates, also contribute significantly to these costs. These groups spend heavily on election ads and campaign events to increase the chances of their preferred candidates winning, with their spending expected to reach around $2.6 billion. For comparison, in the 2020 election, these support groups spent over $1 billion.
On November 5, 2024, the Democratic candidate, President Joe Biden, along with Vice President Kamala Harris, will face off against Republican candidate and former President Donald Trump. With an estimated cost of $15.9 billion, this election is expected to be the most expensive in U.S. history, surpassing the nearly $14 billion spent in the 2020 election.
When Will the Winner Be Announced?
The winner is usually announced on US election 2024 night. However, in 2020, counting took a few days. If the election results in a change of president, the period following the election is called the “transition,” during which the incoming administration appoints cabinet members and plans for its term. The president-elect formally takes office in January, in an inauguration ceremony held on the steps of the Capitol building in Washington, D.C.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When is the presidential US election 2024 held?
The election is scheduled for November 5, 2024.
Why is this U.S. election important for Pakistan?
The newly elected U.S. leadership will set foreign policy priorities that could affect Pakistan in areas like economic relations, regional security, and counterterrorism efforts.
What is the estimated cost of the US Election 2024?
The projected cost is around $15.9 billion, which is approximately 4.42 trillion Pakistani rupees.
How does the U.S. president get elected?
U.S. citizens vote for electors in an Electoral College system, where electors cast the final votes for the president. A candidate needs at least 270 out of 538 electoral votes to win.
Who are the main candidates in the 2024 election?
The main candidates are Democratic President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, facing off against Republican candidate and former President Donald Trump.
What role do external groups play in U.S. elections?
External groups spend large amounts on campaign ads and events to support their chosen candidates, significantly impacting election outcomes.
Will the 2024 election be the most expensive in U.S. history?
Yes, with a projected cost of $15.9 billion, it is expected to surpass the $14 billion spent in the 2020 election, making it the most expensive to date.
Conclusion
The upcoming presidential US election 2024 on November 5, 2024, holds significant importance both within the United States and globally, as the newly elected leadership will influence foreign policy, economic strategies, and regional security dynamics. This election, with its projected cost of $15.9 billion (4.42 trillion PKR), is expected to be the most expensive in American history, underscoring the intense investment from political groups and external organizations aiming to support their preferred candidates.
