A presidential race occurs when candidates from the two main political parties compete to become the next president of the United States. The election is determined by the Electoral College which consists of 538 votes, each representing a state or territory (except for Maine and Nebraska, where electoral votes are based on congressional districts). A candidate needs 270 electoral votes to win the presidency. If no one receives 270 votes, the House of Representatives selects the president from among the top contenders; the Senate selects the vice president.
During the campaign, each candidate runs a series of primary and caucus events to earn the support of voters. Those who gain the most support are selected as the party’s nominee and compete against each other in general elections to determine the final winner. The process can be lengthy and is often controversial. Voters also choose members of Congress — the US House of Representatives and the US Senate, which pass laws and can act as a check on the president’s plans.
The race has been marked by sharp differences between the Democratic and Republican candidates, especially in urban areas where Harris had a significant lead over Trump. Voting patterns were also split by religious attendance, with about a third of those who regularly attend services supporting Harris, while the larger group overwhelmingly supported Trump.
With election day only a few weeks away, the candidates are crisscrossing the country and engaging in vigorous debates on issues that will shape the future of the nation. For more details on the election, visit our election hub.