Americans Head to Polls for the 2024 Presidential Race
Nov. 5 is Election Day in the U.S., where millions of Americans cast their ballots in a race that could reshape the nation¡¯s future. At the top of the ballot are former President Donald Trump, the Republican candidate, and current Vice President Kamala Harris, representing the Democratic Party. This election is notable for the sharp contrasts in the candidates¡¯ policy, personality, and vision for the country¡¯s direction.
The 2024 race has reignited longstanding debates on issues ranging from the economy and immigration to climate policy and national security. Trump has centered his campaign on promises to ¡°Make America Great Again¡± through conservative policies emphasizing tax cuts, deregulation, and increased border security. His second-term plan echoes themes from his earlier presidency, with pledges to reduce immigration, limit foreign interventions such as with Ukraine, and roll back environmental policies. Trump has also vowed to dismantle what he describes as ¡°woke indoctrination¡± in public schools and to support greater parental control over education.
Harris, in contrast, has focused on progressive reforms fostering what she calls ¡°inclusive prosperity.¡± The vice president¡¯s platform emphasizes expanding access to affordable health care, bolstering social safety nets, and increasing investments in clean energy to address climate change. She has been a vocal advocate for reproductive rights and has promised to safeguard and expand access to abortion services following recent state-level restrictions. Harris has also emphasized gun reform, with policies aimed at background check expansions and ¡°red flag¡± laws to prevent gun violence.
Voters across the country have lined up outside polling stations since early morning. For many, the stakes of this election are higher than any other in recent history, especially with the uncertainty in current world events. The U.S. election results will likely influence geopolitical events such as the Russo-Ukrainian War and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
As results start coming in, Americans ? and people across the globe ? will be watching closely to see who becomes the next president of the United States and what it will mean for the future.
Luis Apolo Staff Reporter
1. What has Trump promised to do regarding public schools if elected?
2. How does Harris¡¯s stance on climate change differ from Trump¡¯s?
3. Why are many voters viewing this election as having particularly high stakes?
4. What are some global conflicts mentioned that could be influenced by the outcome of the U.S. election?
1. How do you feel about the idea of candidates focusing on social issues like education and health care in their platforms?
2. If you were a voter, what would be the most important issue for you in an election, and why?
3. Do you think a leader¡¯s personality is as important as their policies when it comes to elections? Explain your view.
4. Have you or your family members ever had to wait in long lines for something important? How did it feel, and was it worth the wait?