By Abdishakur Ali , Washington DC
As the November 5 U.S. presidential election draws near, Americans prepare to cast their votes for the next President and a wide range of federal, state, and local candidates. The voting process involves complex rules and deadlines that vary significantly across states. For example, North Carolina will be the first state to start mail-in voting on September 6, while other states will follow throughout September and October.
The political landscape is heating up, with both major parties holding their conventions. The Democrats nominated Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as their presidential and vice-presidential candidates at their August convention in Chicago. The Republicans, in their July convention in Milwaukee, nominated former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance.
Upcoming events include proposed and scheduled presidential debates, with a confirmed debate on ABC News on September 10 and a vice-presidential debate on CBS News on October 1.
Early in-person voting kicks off in Virginia on September 20, with other states implementing their own early voting schedules. Additionally, a special election is set for September 18 in New Jersey’s 10th congressional district following the death of Rep. Donald Payne Jr., featuring Democrat LaMonica McIver and Republican Carmen Bucco as candidates.
On November 5, voters will not only decide the presidential race but also the composition of Congress, with 34 Senate seats, all 435 House seats, and 12 gubernatorial positions up for grabs. The electoral process will continue into December, with electors casting their votes on December 17. The 119th Congress will be sworn in on January 3, 2025, followed by the official certification of the presidential election results on January 6. The new President and Vice President will be inaugurated on January 20, 2025, marking the beginning of a new administration.