Election 2024 live updates: Trump, Harris intensifying campaign efforts; new polling data
Only one day remains until Election Day.
On Tuesday, Americans nationwide will cast their votes, choosing between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris. The candidates, representing the Republican and Democratic parties, have been vigorously campaigning, discussing various topics such as healthcare, immigration, and economic policies.
On this last full day of campaigning, Trump is set to host four rallies in key swing states, beginning in North Carolina, then making two stops in Pennsylvania, and concluding in Michigan.
Harris is wrapping up her campaign with rallies in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, and will finish the day with a concert in Allentown.
Stay tuned for live updates from the YSL News Network.
Trump intensifies language towards migrants and Harris
During a rally in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Donald Trump suggested that Penn State wrestlers should take on migrants.
“I wanted those Penn State guys to challenge the migrants . . . I told Dana White from the UFC to create a champions’ league, the best fighters in the world, versus a migrant league. I think the migrant might actually win, because of the toughness of some of these individuals,” Trump stated.
At an earlier rally in Reading, Pennsylvania, he humorously suggested that Kamala Harris should spar with boxer Mike Tyson.
“Imagine putting Mike in the ring with Kamala. That would be something,” Trump remarked to his supporters.
In previous speeches, Trump has disparaged his political rivals with harsh terms, including calling them garbage and enemies from within. His recent remarks come amid growing scrutiny of both candidates for their increasingly aggressive political language.
– Sudiksha Kochi and Josh Meyer
Harris visits a Puerto Rican restaurant in Pennsylvania
On Monday night after a rally in Pennsylvania, Vice President Kamala Harris enjoyed dinner at a Puerto Rican establishment.
Harris’ motorcade made a stop at Old San Juan Cafe in Reading, where the owner, Diana de La Rosa, welcomed her. La Rosa provided Harris a tour of the cozy restaurant and assisted her with her order, which featured cassava and yellow rice.
“I’m really hungry,” Harris admitted. “I don’t get to eat as often as I would like.”
Also present at the restaurant during Harris’ visit were Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio Cortez from New York, and Reading Mayor Eddie Moran.
Harris’ campaign aims to engage Puerto Rican voters, particularly following an incident where a comedian made a disparaging remark about Puerto Rico at a Trump rally in Madison Square Garden.
–Michael Collins
Trump claims ‘God saved me to help save America’
Donald Trump called on his supporters in Pittsburgh to participate in the election, mentioning the assassination attempt from July when he was injured.
“Many believe that God spared me to help save America,” he told the enthusiastic crowd.
“With your help, we’re going to realize that extraordinary mission,” Trump emphasized. “Together, we’re saving our country. I’m asking for your vote as a great honor.”
He also vowed to reestablish global peace and criticized Harris’s approach to immigration issues.
“We don’t have to continue living this way,” he added.
Both Trump and Harris are virtually tied in polls for Pennsylvania, an essential swing state. Both candidates traveled through the state on Monday to secure votes before Election Day.
– Sudiksha Kochi
Harris canvasses for votes in Pennsylvania
In a last-ditch effort to connect with voters in the key battleground state of Pennsylvania, Vice President Kamala Harris engaged in door-to-door campaigning on Monday night.
Accompanied by two campaign staff members, Harris visited a couple of homes in Reading. At one house, she was welcomed by a woman who embraced her warmly.
“How are you?” Harris greeted, and the woman introduced her husband, Henry. “Hi, Henry. I’m Kamala Harris,” she said. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
When asked how she was doing, Harris replied, “You know – it’s the day before the election. I wanted to stop by and ask for your vote.”
“Well, I’m already voting for you,” the woman replied, adding that her husband is also planning to vote for her.
On Tuesday.
A man at another location introduced himself as Cole. “Cole, that’s our son’s name!” Harris exclaimed as she shook his hand.
The Harris campaign has proudly touted its ground game, claiming to overshadow Trump’s efforts. Over the weekend, more than 90,000 volunteers for Harris participated in voting mobilization activities, including knocking on over 3 million doors across seven key battleground states, according to the campaign.
– Joey Garrison
Vance criticizes Biden’s remark, labels Harris as ‘trash’
Republican vice presidential nominee JD Vance made comments on Monday in Atlanta, targeting Kamala Harris following a statement from President Joe Biden in a video call last week where he called Trump supporters “garbage.”
Vance leveraged the opportunity to critique Harris, saying, “Let’s not emulate Kamala Harris’ awful example, because surely, everyone here knows someone contemplating voting incorrectly tomorrow,” as he spoke to the audience. “ In our movement, we regard every citizen of this nation with love.”
Following this critique, Vance continued with his own provocative comments.
“In two days, we will clear out the trash from Washington, D.C., and that trash goes by the name Kamala Harris,” he declared.
– Savannah Kuchar
Harris campaign highlights ‘multiple routes’ to 270 electoral votes
On the day before the Election, the Harris campaign emphasized that all seven battleground states were still in contention, asserting that the vice president does not have to depend solely on the traditional “blue wall” strategy for her success.
“We genuinely believe we have various avenues to reach 270 electoral votes,” noted Harris campaign chair Jen O’Malley Dillon during a briefing with reporters. “Often at this point in the race, you might dismiss some pathways, or a state may seem out of reach. We aren’t observing that situation at all.”
All top battlegrounds are closely contested, with polling consistently indicating tight races.
Harris has primarily viewed winning the three Rust Belt states—Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Michigan—as her most straightforward path to victory. Securing these would likely provide her with enough electoral votes to win, even if she falters in Arizona, Nevada, Georgia, and North Carolina.
However, if Harris loses any of the “blue wall” states, she would have to compensate possibly with victories in the four Sun Belt states. Furthermore, if she clinches Michigan and Wisconsin but falls short in Pennsylvania, she would need to win two out of those four Sun Belt states, where Pennsylvania carries 19 electoral votes.
“We acknowledge that the ‘blue wall’ has often been seen as the most straightforward route to reach 270, but we equally recognize positive results in all the Sun Belt states,” O’Malley Dillon added.
– Joey Garrison
Vance urges Georgians to vote ‘legally’ ten times
JD Vance, the Republican vice-presidential nominee, encouraged a crowd in Atlanta on Monday night to ensure they voted for Trump ten times—by legal means.
“Here’s how to legally cast 10 votes: bring your friends to the polling station, take yourself, and accompany nine friends and family members,” Vance explained.
Vance reflected on Georgia’s previously narrow margin of victory, as Biden won the state in 2020 by fewer than 12,000 votes. This time around, the Peach State is observing unprecedented early voting turnout.
– Savannah Kuchar
Trump accuses Harris of imitating his Saturday Night Live performance
At a rally in Reading, Pennsylvania, on Monday, Donald Trump stated that Kamala Harris ‘copied’ his performance on Saturday Night Live, which aired just three days prior to the November 5 election.
“She replicates everything I do. Even Saturday Night Live—they copied. It’s remarkable. On Saturday, she was quite good—but they imitated my act. I did it much earlier,” Trump remarked. “I believe I executed it better; really, I think anyone could have done it better.”
During that episode, comedian Maya Rudolph, who portrayed Harris, spoke to the real Harris through an empty vanity mirror, both dressed in matching outfits, while Harris imparted campaign tips to Rudolph.
In 2015, Trump similarly appeared on “The Tonight Show” where he performed a similar skit with comedian Jimmy Fallon, who played Trump speaking to the actual Republican candidate through a vanity mirror, wearing complementary suits.
— Sudiksha Kochi
Georgia Supreme Court rules against late absentee ballots in Cobb County
On Monday, the Georgia Supreme Court ruled to discard any late-arriving absentee ballots after a lower-court judge ordered absentee ballots to be sent to 3,000 Cobb County voters who had not received them.
This lawsuit was initiated by the ACLU and the Southern Poverty Law Center after the Cobb County election office announced it had sent out a large number of absentee ballots late. Superior Judge Robert Flournoy had instructed the county to send in the ballots overnight and stated that they could be counted until Friday.
However, the Republican National Committee contested this order, opposing counting votes that arrive post-Election Day. The state Supreme Court ruled that all ballots must be received by 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Election Day.
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As mandated by state regulations, the supreme court instructed county officials to preserve late-arriving ballots in a secured container until the court provides further guidance.
– Bart Jansen
Rapper Fat Joe urges undecided Puerto Rican, Latino voters: ‘Where is your pride?’
On Monday, rapper Fat Joe, who is of Puerto Rican and Cuban heritage, encouraged undecided Latino voters to reflect on former President Donald Trump’s past actions against their community — including his 2016 comments labeling Mexicans as “rapists” and “drug dealers,” as well as the sluggish response to Puerto Rico following the hurricanes in 2017.
“Where’s your pride?” Fat Joe, whose real name is Joseph Cartagena, asked during Vice President Kamala Harris’ rally in Allentown, Pennsylvania. “If you’re out there saying ‘I might vote for someone or I’m undecided,’ where’s your pride as a Latino?”
Harris visited Allentown, which has a significant Puerto Rican and Latino demographic, aiming to engage voters in this crucial swing state.
– Rebecca Morin
Harris campaign prepares for Trump to potentially declare early victory again
On Monday, Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign alerted that Republican Donald Trump may attempt to take advantage of late-counted votes in the 2024 election to falsely assert he has won, similar to his actions four years ago.
“We know it will take time to get the election results,” stated Dana Remus, the campaign’s legal advisor, during a conference call with journalists. “We also recognize that Trump is likely to misuse this time to claim fraud, spread false information, and declare victory too soon.”
In Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, mail-in ballots cannot be pre-counted until Election Day, which may lead to prolonged counting processes in these vital battleground states.
Jen O’Malley Dillon, the Harris campaign chair, noted that while they anticipate nearly complete results from North Carolina and Georgia on election night, they expect only partial results from Nevada, Wisconsin, Arizona, and Pennsylvania. Nevada allows counting of mail ballots received by November 9, and provisional ballots in Pennsylvania will not be counted until November 8.
“This doesn’t indicate fraud; it’s simply the way the process functions,” O’Malley Dillon explained. “We anticipate that this election will be extremely close, so it may take several days to learn the outcome, but we remain focused on maintaining calm and confidence during this time.”
During the 2020 election, Trump prematurely announced victory after he initially led in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Michigan based on in-person Election Day votes. His leads disappeared as mail-in ballots, which largely favored Joe Biden, were counted, ultimately securing Biden’s win.
In a May interview with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, a partner of YSL News Network, Trump expressed skepticism about the 2024 election results. “If everything is fair, I would accept the outcome,” he said. “If not, we have to fight for our country’s rights.”
– Joey Garrison
Vance intensifies anti-Harris rhetoric at final rally
Vance began his last campaign rally on Monday night by amplifying his criticism of Harris.
“On this final day of campaigning, I’m going to say whatever I feel like,” Vance declared at the start of his speech to supporters in Newtown, Pennsylvania.
“Now’s the time to share my true thoughts on Kamala Harris.”
The Republican candidate labeled his Democratic rival as “a disaster,” suggesting she should “return to San Francisco where she belongs.”
Vance eventually gave one mild compliment about Harris, by referencing her media performances. “The one positive thing I can say about Kamala Harris is that whenever she appears in an interview, we gain about 50,000 votes,” Vance quipped.
– Savannah Kuchar
Expert warns Pennsylvania recount requests could be problematic
Pennsylvania may face significant recounts, potentially leading to numerous small ones that a former judge described as “vexatious.”
This state is crucial, currently showing a tight race between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris. According to state law, an automatic recount is triggered if the winning margin is less than 0.5%.
With 9.1 million voters, Pennsylvania has over 9,000 voting precincts. Under a law established in 1927, just three voters in a precinct can pay a $50 fee to request a recount from the county Court of Common Pleas, irrespective of the victory margin. State regulations cap precincts at 1,200 voters each.
Following a series of precinct recounts that have occurred since 2020, experts from Keep Our Republic, a Pennsylvania advocacy group, noted that the law has been modified. To initiate a wider county-level recount, the three voters seeking it must convince a judge that there have been errors or fraud in the vote counts.
“The requirements are now stricter for requesting a wider recount. However, the law may also enable some individuals to act maliciously,” commented John Jones, a former federal judge in Pennsylvania and adviser for Keep Our Republic in the state. “Be vigilant in the week after the election, as numerous petitions may arise in various counties that will require decisions from local courts.”
– Bart Jansen
Trump focuses on immigration during Pennsylvania rally
Donald Trump intensified his anti-immigration message at a rally in Reading, Pennsylvania on the eve of Election Day, asserting that Kamala Harris has “eliminated” security at the southern border.
“They’re taking control of your towns, schools, and hospitals,” Trump claimed, referring to migrants.
He later stated, “The United States is currently an occupied nation, but that will soon change.”
During President Joe Biden’s administration, illegal border crossings reached unprecedented levels, averaging over 2 million annually from 2021 to 2023, as per Customs and Border Protection statistics. However, after Biden implemented extensive restrictions on asylum, illegal crossings—referred to as “encounters”—at the southern border dropped to their lowest level in almost four years.
Trump further asserted that crimes committed by migrants have been “extremely brutal.” Nevertheless, an analysis of data from 2012 to 2022 revealed that undocumented immigrants have a lower homicide conviction rate, at 14% less than that of native-born Americans. Overall, immigrants face a 62% lower homicide rate, and undocumented immigrants are 41% less likely to have a criminal conviction compared to native-born citizens.
– Sudiksha Kochi, Chris Mueller and Terry Collins
US cybersecurity chief ensures election security is at an all-time high
Jen Easterly, the leading U.S. cybersecurity official, stated on Monday that the 2024 elections are the most secure they have ever been, emphasizing that election officials at all levels are prepared to address any potential interference, whether domestic or international.
“As we approach tomorrow, I can confidently assert that our election system is the most secure it has ever been, and the election community is well-equipped to conduct safe and fair elections,” said Easterly, who leads the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) at the Department of Homeland Security, during a media briefing.
Easterly and her top election security aide, Cait Conley, acknowledged that some minor issues have occurred, such as Russian disinformation, severe weather events, vandalism to ballot drop boxes, and other incidents that have largely been reported already.
However, Easterly stated, “At this time, we have seen no indication of any activity that could significantly influence the presidential election results.”
CISA officials, alongside others nationwide, have been conducting numerous simulation exercises in recent years to be ready for any possible scenarios, Easterly noted. She mentioned that various types of disruptions are anticipated on Election Day and afterward.
“It’s vital to understand that disruptions occur in every election, which is why election officials invest heavily in incident response, planning, and emergency preparations,” Easterly remarked.
– Josh Meyer
Analyzing the data: Trump aides optimistic about outcomes
With Election Day approaching, presidential campaigns are eager to interpret statistics and forecast victories.
The Trump campaign released a memo on Monday stating that, in crucial states, support among women and urban voters has decreased (which is unfavorable for Democrats), while support among rural voters has risen (positive for Republicans).
We’ll find out how accurate these claims are when states begin counting votes on Tuesday night.
Democrats, who believe the overall numbers are in favor of Harris, are concerned that Trump might declare victory before all important states have reported, potentially causing confusion when legal disputes arise.
However, Trump’s team asserts that an early claim of victory won’t be needed, as they believe he will secure a clear win.
“We will announce victory when we are certain that we have the necessary 270 electoral votes,” said Jason Miller, a senior advisor for Trump’s campaign, during a rally in Raleigh, N.C. “The data indicates that President Trump is poised to win this election.”
-David Jackson
Video: RNC official dispels myth concerning noncitizen voting
According to a Republican National Committee official, undocumented immigrants are unlikely to be registered in Pennsylvania because they do not possess driver’s licenses or Social Security numbers, as stated in a video obtained by ProPublica.
Joe Neild made these remarks during one of the Republican Party’s frequent calls about election integrity in key battleground areas where poll workers and watchers are trained. In the video, an unnamed participant inquired, “How can you identify illegal aliens? What signs should we look for?”
Neild explained, “Illegal aliens won’t appear in the pollbook because, to register to vote, they need a driver’s license number or a Social Security number.” He noted that Pennsylvania requires proof of citizenship to obtain a driver’s license.
YSL News has reached out to the Republican National Committee for a response, but a voicemail left for Neild has not yet been returned.
Brian Hughes, a senior advisor for Trump’s campaign, stated that the party’s personnel were appropriately informing poll watchers about their roles and responsibilities. “One of the things you cannot do is act as an enforcement agency regarding a person’s citizenship status to vote,” Hughes remarked.
— Erin Mansfield
Philly DA issues stern caution against election interference
On Monday, Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner issued a strong warning to anyone thinking about interfering with or intimidating voters on Election Day amid fears of “frivolous and baseless challenges” against eligible voters.
“Everyone in this city has been working tirelessly for several months to ensure that voting is straightforward and free from fear,” he stated.
Krasner warned, “I want to make it clear: anyone who thinks it’s acceptable to behave like militia—mess around and find out. If you plan to insult, mistreat, or threaten anyone, mess around and find out. Our city has the means, including jail cells and juries, to handle such situations. So if you’re intent on turning this election into coercion or intimidation—trying to bully votes or voters—know that we’re not tolerating it. Mess around and find out.”
Krasner made a point to say the letter “F,” pronounced “eff,” rather than using the actual profanity.
Voters are encouraged to report any voting irregularities by calling the Election Protection hotline at 866-OUR-VOTE, a nonpartisan nationwide service.
Krasner concluded with a warning to those planning to disrupt the election process: “You can enjoy your time in a jail cell, because that’s what awaits you.”
–Sam Woodward
When can we expect election results?
Don’t anticipate seeing final results on Election Night.
Election officials have not completed counting ballots on Election Day throughout history. This year, deadlines for local and state certifications range from just a couple of days to over a month after November 5.
In recent elections, media outlets have often predicted the presidential winner late at night or the following morning, except for a couple of instances. The 2000 election was famously close and was complicated by legal disputes, which are likely to impact this year’s results. In 2020, the increase in mail-in voting due to the COVID pandemic also caused delays.
This year, the laws in place in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin that prevent election workers from counting early votes until Election Day are expected to cause similar delays in announcing results.
-Rachel Barber
Record Early Voting Turnout in North Carolina Despite Hurricane Damage
North Carolina saw nearly 4.5 million early votes cast before Saturday’s deadline, surpassing the previous record of 3.6 million set during early voting in 2020, as reported by state officials.
Despite Hurricane Helene causing significant damage in 25 western counties, turnout in those areas was actually 2 percentage points higher than in the rest of the state, according to the state’s Board of Elections.
Karen Brinson Bell, the executive director of the Board of Elections, commended the workers and voters from the western regions, calling them “an inspiration to us all.”
Included in the turnout figures were 4.2 million individuals who voted early in person and approximately 250,000 absentee ballots.
About 57% of registered voters across the state participated in the early voting process. An additional 1.5 million voters are anticipated to cast their ballots on Election Day, as stated by Bob Phillips, executive director of Common Cause, a group advocating for voting rights.
“This has marked a historic voter turnout for North Carolina,” Phillips noted. “There’s a significant amount of enthusiasm present.”
-Bart Jansen
FBI Launches Election Command Center
During the early voting phase of the 2024 election, the FBI reported a few foreign cyber attacks. However, officials indicated that this was not markedly different from the previous election in 2020. The agency has established a command post aimed at managing election-related threats by collaborating with federal, state, and local authorities.
“The level of threat reporting we’re currently receiving has not noticeably increased, but there’s a greater awareness among the public about reporting to the FBI,” said James Barnacle, deputy assistant director of the FBI’s criminal investigative division, during a press briefing on Monday. “We have encountered foreign influence operations and attempts at cyber attacks targeting state officials and local governments.”
According to Barnacle, adversaries from Russia, China, and Iran are seeking to impact the election. He cited a misleading video from late October that falsely claimed ballots were being destroyed in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, which U.S. officials identified as a Russian disinformation tactic.
The FBI’s election command office is staffed by around 80 personnel from various agencies, including the Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Bureau, the Secret Service, the postal inspection service, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Justice Department. This command center opened on Friday and will continue operations at least through November 9.
“This command post is more comprehensive than previous iterations,” Barnacle added.
-Bart Jansen
Secret Service Enhances Security in Washington and Florida for Election Day
The U.S. Secret Service is taking measures to secure areas in Washington, D.C., and Palm Beach County, Florida, where Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump will be present on election night, respectively.
The Secret Service is coordinating with federal, state, and local agencies to ensure heightened safety measures are in place. Barriers and other physical safety protocols will be implemented around locations like the White House, National Observatory, and the Palm Beach County Convention Center.
“These enhancements are not a reaction to any specific threat; they are part of broader safety preparations for Tuesday’s election,” a spokesperson for the Secret Service stated in a communication to YSL News.
-Rachel Barber
Musk’s Super PAC Claims $1 Million Giveaway is Not a Lottery; DA Calls it Illegal
Elon Musk’s pro-Trump Super PAC is selecting recipients of its $1 million-a-day cash giveaway based on who would effectively promote its agenda, rather than by random selection of registered voters, according to a lawyer representing Musk.
In court on Monday, Chris Gober, attorney for Musk’s PAC, argued against claims made by Philadelphia District Attorney Lawrence Krasner, who is suing to halt the giveaway, asserting it constitutes an “illegal lottery” leading up to Tuesday’s U.S. presidential election.
In a counterargument, Krasner testified that the $1 million daily giveaways across seven battleground states likely to determine the election do indeed represent an illegal lottery.
He also informed Judge Angelo Foglietta that certain residents in Pennsylvania had been “duped for their information” and referred to the giveaway as a “scam” aimed at political promotion.
Initially, Musk referred to his giveaways as a lottery-like system but altered the messaging to the public after legal professionals and reportedly, the Justice Department, questioned its legality.
“There is no actual prize to win; instead, participants are required to complete contractual duties as spokespersons for the PAC,” Gober mentioned during the hearing before Foglietta.
The pivotal hearing in this important swing state takes place just one day prior to Musk’s preferred candidate, Trump, competing against Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris in a closely contested election.
−Josh Meyer and Reuters
Early Voting Reports Minor Issues: Expert
David Becker, a former election lawyer at the Justice Department and now the executive director of the Center for Election Innovation and Research, reported no major problems with early voting, including voter intimidation or violent incidents.
“Election officials were ready for anything,” Becker stated. “However, we didn’t see any real issues.”
With approximately 80 million early ballots cast, Becker noted only scattered incidents, such as a man wielding a machete spotted in Florida.
Typical errors included a shortage of staff to manage mail-in ballots in Bucks County, Pennsylvania; an estimated 13,000 to 17,000 voters in Erie County failing to receive absentee ballots; and about 3,000 voters in Cobb County, Georgia, lacking ballots. Courts in each instance allowed additional time for voters to obtain and return their ballots.
“This is expected,” Becker said. “These matters have been managed properly.”−Bart Jansen
Trump Jokes About Biden’s Preference
During a rally in North Carolina on Monday morning, Donald Trump claimed that Joe Biden expressed a preference for Trump over Kamala Harris. However, moments later, he clarified that his statement was just a jest.
“Here’s breaking news: Sleepy Joe Biden officially stated he prefers Trump over Kamala,” Trump declared, receiving enthusiastic cheers from the audience.
Later in his address, Trump added, “I was just joking about Joe.”
“He never really said that,” Trump remarked. “When I say it’s official, no, no, I’m just kidding.”
Biden has made no such declaration. The President endorsed Harris after withdrawing from the 2024 race in July and has actively supported her campaign since then.
– Karissa Waddick
Expert Cautions Voters About Russian Disinformation
David Becker, director of the nonpartisan Center for Election Innovation and Research, warned voters on Monday to be cautious of any videos that might be tools of Russian disinformation intended to create division among Americans following the presidential election.
One notable instance is a viral video depicting the destruction of mail ballots in Pennsylvania, which federal authorities have identified as a Russian fabrication.
“We are likely to encounter a lot more of this,” Becker cautioned. “Any videos showing vote switching, people alleging voter fraud, or claims about widespread fraud observed by others should be treated with skepticism. Recognize that a lot of this misinformation is orchestrated by the Russians.”
The federal government has been actively working to pinpoint videos created by Russians to sway the election, he added.
“It’s seemingly aimed at inciting outrage among supporters of candidates who don’t win and creating division within our nation, making us resent our fellow Americans.”
-Riley Beggin
Trump Pledges New Tariff on Mexico
During a rally in Raleigh, N.C., Donald Trump promised to impose an immediate 25% tariff on all products from Mexico if the country does not assist the U.S. in reducing immigration rates.
Trump claimed the measure has a “100% chance of being effective,” asserting that should the 25% tariff fail, he would escalate it to 50% or 75%.
If elected, Trump has proposed implementing several other tariffs, which act as taxes on imports, including a 60% tariff on goods from China and a 10% tariff on various imports from around the globe.
These policies aim to strengthen U.S. manufacturing, though economists have indicated that such proposals could inflate prices for American consumers and hinder economic growth due to potential retaliatory tariffs on U.S. exports.
Tariffs on Mexico could have a considerable effect, as Mexico is the U.S.’s top trading partner.
– Karissa Waddick
Senate Polling Recap: Democrats Maintain Edge in Competitive Races
Republicans Have an Advantage in U.S. Senate Races
Recent polls released on Monday and over the weekend indicate that Republicans may have an upper hand in reclaiming control of the U.S. Senate, although Democrats still lead in crucial battleground areas.
The Cook Political Report has identified Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin as the key Senate races that are too close to call, all currently represented by Democrats.
In Pennsylvania, five new polls suggest that Democratic Senator Bob Casey has a lead ranging from 1 to 5 points. However, one poll shows a tie, and another indicates that GOP contender David McCormick is ahead by 1 point.
Regarding Michigan, two recent polls indicate a tie between former GOP Representative Mike Rogers and Democratic Representative Elissa Slotkin. Four other polls show Slotkin leading by 2 to 8 percentage points, while one report gives Rogers a slight advantage of 1 point.
In Wisconsin, four new polls reveal that incumbent Democratic Senator Tammy Baldwin holds a lead of 1 to 6 points, although one poll shows a tie with GOP opponent Eric Hovde, while another shows Hovde slightly ahead by 1 point.
Ohio, viewed as the most likely state to flip to Republicans, has one new poll showing GOP candidate Bernie Moreno leading over Senator Sherrod Brown by 1 point.
States like Arizona and Nevada appear to give a slight edge to Democrats according to new polling data. In Nevada, three polls indicate that Democratic incumbent Senator Jacky Rosen has a lead of 2 to 9 points against Republican Sam Brown, while one poll shows a tie.
For Arizona, where Democratic Representative Reuben Gallego is competing against former television anchor Kari Lake, four recent polls suggest Gallego is ahead by between 2 and 8 points.
To regain control of the Senate chamber, Republicans need to flip just two seats, and they have already secured one in West Virginia, where Democrat-turned-independent Senator Joe Manchin is retiring.
Democrats are optimistic about potentially offsetting losses in Ohio and Montana by targeting vulnerable Republican incumbents in Florida and Texas. However, two recent polls from Morning Consult reveal that voters favor incumbent Republican Senators Rick Scott and Ted Cruz by 3 percentage points each.
You can find more detailed information on these polls here.
−Riley Beggin
How to Stay Updated on Election Night Results
The YSL News Network will provide a hub for tracking election results in real-time from across the nation, especially in critical swing states that could sway the election outcome between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump.
The platform will cover numerous House and Senate races that will influence Congress’s control. Live updates and analyses will also be available at USATODAY.com, along with a livestream.
For the first time, the Associated Press will present a digital livestream of the U.S. presidential election results on Tuesday night. The AP VoteCast broadcast will feature expert discussions, live vote counts, electoral map updates every 30 minutes, and coverage from over 35 cameras nationwide, including rally events.
–Josh Meyer
Is Trump Competitive in New Hampshire?
Republican vice-presidential nominee JD Vance shifted his campaign focus on Sunday, rallying support in New Hampshire just days before the presidential election.
He asserted that Trump will triumph in this New England state, which has favored Democratic candidates since 2004. Nonetheless, Trump nearly won New Hampshire in 2016, which has a libertarian-leaning populace.
“What we are doing is broadening the map,” Vance stated. “I believe that in two days, we will turn New Hampshire red.”
However, Trump’s success in New Hampshire remains uncertain. A recent survey by Saint Anselm College indicates Harris ahead of Trump by 5 points, with a score of 51% to 46%.
– Margie Cullen and Karissa Waddick
Trump’s Escalating Hostility Towards Media at Pennsylvania Rally
During a rally in Pennsylvania on Sunday, Donald Trump suggested that an assassin would need to shoot through the press to reach him.
In an extensive speech where he reiterated unsubstantiated claims of voter fraud, Trump intensified his attacks on the media. He pointed toward the protective glass around him and remarked, “To get to me, someone would have to shoot through the fake news. And frankly, I’m okay with that.”
A spokesperson for Trump’s campaign clarified that the president’s remarks were about his personal safety due to earlier assassination attempts, rather than a direct attack on journalists.
Trump’s comments come amidst growing criticism of both presidential campaigns regarding their incendiary political language. Recently, Trump suggested that rifles should be aimed at former Representative Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., who has endorsed Harris and vocally criticized Trump.
– Josh Meyer and Karissa Waddick
When Can We Expect Results on Election Day?
Don’t anticipate final results to be available on election night. The time it takes for local and state officials to certify results can range from two days to over a month post-November 5.
Increased mail-in voting due to the COVID pandemic delayed results in 2020. It took four days to count votes before news outlets declared Joe Biden the winner. In 2016, Trump was declared the victor in the early morning hours following Election Day.
This year, the duration of vote counting remains uncertain, and potential legal disputes may extend the process of confirming results, similar to the situation in the 2000 election.
– Rachel Barber
Polling Hours on Election Day
Most states will allow voting between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Election Day, but polling hours may vary by location.
For instance, certain areas of Vermont will open polls as early as 5 a.m., while New York will keep polls open until 9 p.m. It’s advisable to check with your state or local election office for accurate voting times.
The YSL News Voter Guide provides all the essential information needed to ensure your voice is counted in this year’s general election.
– Rachel Barber
Election Day Discounts from Companies
Rideshare companies Uber and Lyft are giving discounted rides
If you’re looking for transportation to the polls on Nov. 5, Hertz is providing a car rental discount for voters.
Additionally, some restaurants are giving away free treats, like Krispy Kreme, which will distribute complimentary Original Glazed doughnuts and “I Voted” stickers at selected locations across the U.S. on Election Day.
If you’re feeling hungry while you wait for election results, Grubhub+ members can enjoy a variety of discounts, and Uber Eats is offering 25% off on orders placed on Election Night.
– Mike Snider and Rachel Barber
Trump to receive ‘equal time’ from FCC after Kamala Harris’ appearance on NBC’s ‘SNL’
NBC alerted the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that it will provide former President Donald Trump “equal time” following Vice President Kamala Harris’s appearance on “Saturday Night Live.”
Harris made a brief guest appearance on the iconic comedy show, imparting advice to comedian Maya Rudolph, who has portrayed her in sketches leading up to the election.
Republican FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr commented on X, saying it was a clear attempt to circumvent the FCC’s Equal Time rule. He argued that NBC must extend similar opportunities to other political candidates.
In its notice on Sunday, NBC stated Harris was on “SNL” for one minute and thirty seconds without charge. Consequently, NBC granted Trump airtime on Sunday during the NASCAR 2024 Cup playoff race, according to CNN’s Brian Stelter.
The FCC’s equal time mandate compels U.S. radio and television stations to grant equal access to competing political candidates, though this rule does not apply to cable networks or digital platforms like podcasts or social media.
-Josh Meyer
Creative ‘I Voted’ sticker designs from YSL News readers
Have you cast your vote? Did you forget to grab an “I Voted” sticker on your way out?
No need to worry — YSL News has got your back. Based on the artistic flair of “I Voted” stickers nationwide, we’ve invited our readers to share their designs. You can print your favorite sticker at home using this downloadable template.
— Karissa Waddick
Trump’s betting odds against Harris tighten just days before the election
In the lead-up to the election, former President Donald Trump’s betting advantages over Vice President Kamala Harris have significantly diminished.
Bet365 in the UK had Trump at –188 and Harris at +150 a week back. However, following controversial remarks made by a speaker at a Trump rally about Puerto Rico and a recent poll indicating a competitive race for Harris in traditionally Republican Iowa, Trump’s odds dropped to –138 and Harris rose to +120.
Other betting lines have also seen a similar tightening.
The preferred betting candidate has lost only twice since 1866, as reported by Conversation, a nonprofit news outlet.
— James Powel and Rachel Barber
New York Times/Siena poll reveals Harris and Trump deadlocked in critical states
As Election Day approaches, polls indicate an extremely close presidential race between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump.
Recent swing state polling data released by the New York Times and Siena College shows Harris slightly leading in Nevada, North Carolina, Wisconsin, and Georgia, while Trump is ahead in Arizona. In crucial blue wall states like Pennsylvania and Michigan, both candidates find themselves in a near tie.
However, the outcome in every state lies within the survey’s margin of error of ±3.5%, suggesting these leads may not be definitive. Both candidates are relying on a strategic mix of wins across the seven swing states to secure 270 electoral votes for victory in the electoral college.
— Karissa Waddick
Are banks open on Election Day?
Bank branches, including those of Bank of America, Truist, PNC, Capital One, and Wells Fargo, will be operating during their normal hours on Tuesday, Nov. 5.
Other banking services, like ATMs and online banking, are expected to function as usual on Election Day.
— Gabe Hauari
Is Election Day considered a federal holiday?
Election Day is not designated as a federal holiday.
However, some states treat Election Day as an official holiday, leading to most state offices being closed. Twenty-four states, along with the District of Columbia, provide paid time off for voting.
Certain states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, and Wisconsin, offer unpaid time off for voting.
— Olivia Munson
Current polling status of Trump and Harris
The race for the 2024 presidency is poised to be extremely close leading up to Election Day. According to Real Clear Politics’ average of national polls, Trump has a slim lead of merely 0.1 percentage points over Harris, which is well within the margin of error for the included surveys.
A similarly tight scenario is evident in critical swing states; for instance, in Wisconsin, Harris is leading Trump by a narrow margin of 0.3 percentage points based on Real Clear Politics’ averaged polls.
– Marina Pitofsky
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Donald Trump’s schedule for Monday
Donald Trump will be campaigning across multiple swing states this Monday.
The final full day of his campaign will begin in North Carolina with a rally in Raleigh. Then, in the afternoon, he plans to hold two events in Pennsylvania.
Trump is scheduled to hold rallies in Reading and Pittsburgh.
Later in the evening, Trump will conclude the day with an event in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
– Marina Pitofsky
Kamala Harris’s Itinerary for Monday
On Monday, Kamala Harris will finish her campaign in Pennsylvania with rallies in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. This will be followed by a concert in Allentown featuring rapper Fat Joe and singer Frankie Negron, both of whom are of Puerto Rican descent.
Officials in her campaign indicate that the purpose of the rally is to galvanize the Latino electorate in the state to participate in the voting process.
− Terry Moseley