Washington, DC, November 5
The much-anticipated US presidential election is set to take place today, with Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican former President Donald Trump vying for the top position.
On the eve of the election, both Harris and Trump focused their campaigns in key battleground states, where voter indecision could swing the results. The election, decided by a combination of popular vote and the Electoral College, is expected to be highly competitive.
Many believe that the US presidential election, with its direct executive power, impacts the world both directly and indirectly. Both parties have mobilised their full resources to ensure victory for their respective candidates.
Like previous elections, major issues this year include immigration, gun rights, women’s rights, economic concerns, and global instability. Despite a partial economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, inflation has burdened Americans across all income levels, particularly impacting the middle class, making this election even more significant.
In an unprecedented move, the Democrats have nominated Kamala Harris, potentially the first woman to hold the highest executive office in US history, showcasing a relatively immigrant-friendly stance. Meanwhile, former President Trump is vigorously campaigning for a second term despite multiple legal challenges.
Swing states hold the key
Of the 50 US states, seven are critical swing states—Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin—with Pennsylvania being particularly significant. In the 2016 election, Trump won five of these swing states to secure his victory, while Biden won six in 2020 to become president.
The importance of Pennsylvania is underscored by the $1.2 billion spent on campaign ads by both parties, part of the $10.53 billion spent nationwide, with 11% of this amount focused on Pennsylvania alone. Out of 9.1 million voters in Pennsylvania, 1.62 million have already voted early, with the state opening its polls this Tuesday.
Nepali votes could be decisive
As Pennsylvania becomes the focal battleground, the estimated 25,000 Nepali-speaking voters in the state could prove decisive. Dr. Harry Bhandari, a U.S. politician who arrived in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, to promote voter awareness among Nepali voters, emphasised the impact they could have in this closely contested state. Leading 51 volunteers from Maryland last Saturday, Bhandari highlighted that every vote matters.
“As immigrants contributing to US politics, we’re setting an inspiring example for future generations. Kamala Harris, an immigrant second-generation leader, is creating a historic path that will inspire many,” Bhandari said.
“Politics is not just about position and prestige; it addresses life’s challenges, creates jobs, and brings internal and external stability through policy changes. I believe a strong candidate like Harris, from the Democratic Party, can address these issues,” he added.
Local political participant Abhishek Thapa noted, “Analysing the competition, we believe the Nepalese vote can be influential. We’ve tried to reach every Nepali household in Pennsylvania to encourage them to vote, with approximately 4,500 Nepali voters in just one area.”
Social and political activist Binita Puri explained, “We have been running awareness campaigns among the Nepalese community, and I am confident that more Nepalese will participate in this election.”
Longtime Pennsylvania resident Jeevan Dahal urged fellow voters to support Harris, as he is a Democrat himself. Similarly, Prakash Dhungana stated that voting is a civic duty that paves a political roadmap for the next generation.
Nepali voters split
While many Nepali appear to support the immigrant-friendly Democratic Party, there are also Republican supporters in the community. Nepali Americans have shared extensive commentary and posts on social media regarding their political views.
Battleground analysis
Pennsylvania holds significant sway in US politics, with 67 counties divided among supporters of both candidates. Campaign volunteers believe voters here will play a key role in shaping the election’s outcome.
Final campaign rally
On the final day of campaigning, Vice President Harris addressed supporters at a rally near the Philadelphia Museum of Art, while Trump held an evening rally with his supporters in Pennsylvania.
Today’s election will decide whether the USA’s 248-year-old history will witness its first female president or see the return of former President Trump to the White House.
Out of the total 231 million eligible voters, 168 million are registered. To win, a candidate must secure 270 out of the 538 available electoral votes.
-Madhukar Adhikari/RSS
