WASHINGTON DC: Today marks the start of one of the year's critical elections in the United States, featuring a heated competition between the Democratic and Republican candidates.
Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are both in the running for the title of the 47th President of the United States, each representing their political party.
Trump is aiming for a second term, while Harris is stepping up after President Joe Biden endorsed her decision to run following his choice not to seek re-election. The election process in the U.S. includes both direct voting and the Electoral College.
Both candidates are focusing their final campaign efforts on key battleground states, as the outcome of this election could have a substantial impact on global affairs, according to many analysts.
Both parties are making significant efforts to claim the highest office in the world’s leading superpower.
Key issues remain the same as in past elections, including immigration, gun rights, economic opportunities, women's rights, and rising global instability.
Despite efforts to revive the economy after the COVID-19 pandemic, inflation has greatly affected citizens, with rising costs of food, fuel, and other essentials putting considerable pressure on the middle class—making these economic issues a focal point in this election.
The Democratic Party, known for its more immigrant-friendly stance, has Kamala Harris as its candidate against Trump, who is currently facing multiple legal challenges. Both candidates encounter substantial obstacles in their quest for the presidency.
Swing States Critical for Election Outcome
Among the 50 states, seven are considered pivotal in determining election results, known as Swing States: Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.
Among these, Pennsylvania, the fifth most populous state, holds particular importance. In the 2016 election, Trump won five of the seven Swing States to secure the presidency, while Biden claimed victory in six out of seven in 2020.
The importance of Pennsylvania is highlighted by the substantial investment in electoral advertising, with $1.20 billion allocated for media campaigns in the state alone—over 10% of the total $10.53 billion spent across the country. Pennsylvania, the largest of the Swing States, has already seen early voting from 1.6 million people.
Impact of Nepali Voters
Approximately 25,000 voters of Nepali descent reside in Pennsylvania, and their votes are anticipated to play a significant role in this election.
Dr. Harry Bhandari, a politician in Harrisburg advocating for voter awareness, emphasized the state's importance in the election outcome.
He was campaigning alongside 51 volunteers from Maryland on Saturday. "We're engaging in politics to inspire future generations. Kamala Harris, as a second-generation immigrant, aims to make history, which will inspire others," he remarked.
Local political organizer Abhisek Thapa noted, "This election is particularly tough. We believe our (Nepali) votes will be influential this year. We are reaching out to every household to encourage Nepalis to participate in voting."
Social worker and activist Binita Puri shared that they are organizing voter awareness rallies, expressing optimism for increased voter turnout this time. The Nepali American community is divided in its support between Harris and Trump, with many voicing their preferences on social media.
While there are 231 million eligible voters in the U.S., only 168 million have registered. To win, a candidate must obtain 270 out of 538 Electoral College votes, regardless of the total number of popular votes.
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