Emmanuel OchayiEarly Voting Breaks Records but Trails 2020
Just 11 days before Election Day, Donald Trump has taken a slight lead in the key battleground states, according to recent polls.
As of Thursday evening, over 30 million Americans have already voted, as reported by the University of Florida’s Election Lab.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThis number, while breaking records in certain states, is lower than in 2020, when over 100 million people cast early ballots amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
New Poll Results Show Trump’s Lead on Economic Trust
A recent poll by the Financial Times and the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business reveals that more Americans trust Donald Trump over Kamala Harris to manage the economy.
Of the respondents, 44% favour Trump’s economic approach, while 43% support Harris. However, national polls only provide a partial picture.
The Electoral College ultimately determines the winner, reflecting state-by-state results, especially in critical swing states.
Seven Key States in Focus
The swing states of Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Georgia, Michigan, Arizona, Wisconsin, and Nevada—collectively worth 93 Electoral College votes—will play a crucial role in deciding the winner.
Currently, Trump leads narrowly in Arizona, North Carolina, Georgia, and Pennsylvania, while Harris has a small edge in Michigan and Wisconsin. In Nevada, the two candidates are essentially tied.
“These results are tight, no question,” noted political analyst Mark Fisher. “In swing states, even half a percentage point can decide the election.”
According to polling data, Harris’s support in Michigan has risen marginally, while Trump has kept a slight lead in Pennsylvania and a more significant lead in North Carolina, Arizona, and Georgia. Yet the margins remain within the polls’ error range, indicating how fluid the race is in these states.
Trump Rallies and Criticises Harris
Trump held rallies in Arizona and Nevada, addressing supporters and taking aim at Harris’s recent town hall appearance. “I watched her performance, and it was pathetic,” Trump said. “She doesn’t have what it takes to lead our economy or our nation.” Such personal attacks have characterised both campaigns as the candidates race to solidify their voter bases.
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Trump’s supporters are particularly drawn to his economic promises, which he reiterated at the Arizona rally. “We need strong economic leadership now more than ever,” he said. “And that’s what I’m here to provide.”
Harris Appeals to Middle-Class America in Georgia Rally
Meanwhile, Harris is focusing on middle-class concerns in her campaign, hoping to resonate with working Americans who feel they need more support. At a Georgia rally, she highlighted her economic policies and spoke of her plans to bring jobs to communities hit hard by recent economic shifts.
“We’re here to work for everyone who has been left behind,” Harris told a crowd of nearly 20,000 supporters. She shared the stage with well-known supporters, including Bruce Springsteen, former President Barack Obama, filmmaker Spike Lee, and actor Tyler Perry, all showing their support as the campaign approaches its end.
Harris emphasised her vision for an inclusive America, stating, “We have to bring opportunity back to these communities, make healthcare affordable, and support our schools.”
Polling Uncertainty as Election Day Nears
Despite the current poll numbers, many experts warn against drawing firm conclusions, given the volatility of swing states. The polls’ margins of error suggest that either candidate could still sway the results with a successful push in the final days.
“We’re seeing high turnout, which always makes predictions harder,” explained Fisher. “Every vote matters more than ever.”
With each candidate holding slight leads in different swing states, and an almost even split in others, the race remains highly unpredictable. Both Donald Trump and Kamala Harris are mobilizing efforts in the crucial days left, knowing that the final results could swing in either direction.
Emmanuel Ochayi is a journalist. He is a graduate of the University of Lagos, School of first choice and the nations pride. Emmanuel is keen on exploring writing angles in different areas, including Business, climate change, politics, Education, and others.
