US election day: Harris vs Trump

Today marks the start of a pivotal election in the United States, featuring a closely watched race between Democratic and Republican candidates.

Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are competing to become the 47th President of the United States, each representing their respective party.

Trump seeks a second term, while Harris is stepping up after President Joe Biden endorsed her candidacy following his decision not to seek re-election. The US election process includes direct voting as well as the Electoral College.

Both candidates are concentrating their final campaign efforts on key battleground states, with analysts suggesting this election could have a major impact on global affairs.

Key issues include immigration, gun rights, economic opportunities, women's rights, and rising global instability.

Despite efforts to revive the economy post-covid, inflation remains a significant issue, with rising costs of essentials placing pressure on the middle class and making economic concerns a central focus.

The Democratic Party, known for its immigrant-friendly policies, has Kamala Harris as its candidate, while Trump, currently facing legal challenges, represents the Republicans. Both candidates face substantial obstacles.

Swing states critical to election outcome

Seven states are expected to be critical in determining the election results: Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. Among them, Pennsylvania, the fifth most populous state, is particularly crucial. In 2016, Trump won five of the seven swing states to secure the presidency, while Biden claimed six in 2020.

Pennsylvania has seen significant investment in election advertising, with $1.20bn allocated for media campaigns in the state alone—over 10 percent of the $10.53bn spent nationwide. Early voting in Pennsylvania has already seen participation from 1.6m voters.

Influence of Nepali voters

Around 25,000 Nepali American voters live in Pennsylvania, where their votes could be significant.

Harry Bhandari, a politician in Harrisburg, is leading efforts to raise voter awareness, accompanied by 51 Maryland-based volunteers 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 said.

Local political organizer Abhisek Thapa stated, "This election is especially competitive. We believe our (Nepali) votes will make an impact this year. We are reaching out to every Nepali household to encourage voting."

Social worker and activist Binita Puri mentioned that voter awareness rallies are being organized, expressing optimism for increased turnout. The Nepali American community is divided in its support between Harris and Trump, with many voicing their views on social media.

While there are 231m eligible voters in the US, only 168m are registered. A candidate needs to secure 270 of the 538 Electoral College votes to win, regardless of the popular vote.