What you need to know • Americans are preparing to cast their votes for the next president. Both Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump require a minimum of 270 electoral votes to secure victory. The crucial battleground states of Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin are anticipated to play a significant role in determining the outcome.
• In the small New Hampshire town of Dixville Notch, Harris and Trump each received three votes, as the polling station opened and closed shortly after midnight ET, adhering to a long-standing tradition. An hour-by-hour schedule is available to outline expectations as state polls begin to close at 7 p.m. ET. • The candidates concluded their final campaign events in key battleground states last night. Harris wrapped up her 107-day campaign in Pennsylvania, while Trump addressed supporters in Michigan, a state where he has previously ended three presidential campaigns. • For information on how to vote in your area and to learn more about the 2024 candidates and their platforms, please refer to CNN’s voter handbook. Several key battleground states are experiencing a significant cold front on Election Day, resulting in heavy rainfall and severe storms.
The most intense rainfall is occurring from eastern Texas to the Missouri-Illinois border, including St. Louis. Slow-moving storms are also affecting these regions, leading to multiple flash flood warnings that indicate life-threatening conditions. Some warnings report rainfall amounts of 3-8 inches during the overnight hours. As the rainfall gradually shifts eastward, the accumulation may impact early morning voters attempting to cast their ballots. The front will continue its eastward movement, bringing showers to Minnesota and the battleground states of Wisconsin and Michigan, extending down to Louisiana.
Historical data suggests that rainfall can slightly diminish voter turnout in previous elections. Wisconsin is expected to experience the most severe weather among CNN’s seven battleground states, with the Storm Prediction Center issuing a level 1 of 5 severe storm threat for a large portion of the state. Widespread showers and even thunderstorms are anticipated.
