Americans are voting as Kamala Harris and Donald Trump in neck and neck race for White House

Washington, Nov 5: Millions of Americans were heading to the polls on Tuesday to cast their ballots in all 50 states in a historic presidential race between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump that could profoundly impact the US and the world.

More than 83 million people have already cast their ballot, according to the latest data from 48 states and the District of Columbia. This is more than half of the roughly 158 million votes cast for president in 2020, but it’s significantly lower than the total preelection vote that year when roughly 70 per cent of voters chose to vote by mail or in-person.

Addressing reporters after casting his ballot in Florida, the Republican candidate and former president Trump said he is “very confident” he will win the election and that “it won’t even be close.” 

Trump arrived at his voting precinct in Palm Beach with his wife, Melania Trump.

“I feel very confident,” Trump, 78, said. “I hear we’re doing very well everywhere.”

He said the electoral battle against his Democratic rival and US Vice President Harris was the “best” of the three campaigns he ran.

“It won’t even be close,” Trump said confidently about the outcome of the race for the White House, which several US media outlets have said was too close to call.

Meanwhile, Harris spoke with a radio station in Atlanta to remind voters in Georgia to get out and vote on Election Day, telling listeners “we’ve got to get it done. Today is voting day and people need to get out and be active.”

“I’ve just been so focused on the task in front of me, the reflection has only been about making sure that I’m responding to the needs of folks around the policies,” she said.

Harris said her focus for the day is “making sure everybody knows the power of their voice through their vote.” She continued to avoid referring to Trump by name, instead referring to the former president as “my opponent” during the interview.

Republican vice-presidential nominee JD Vance cast his ballot in person at his polling booth in Cincinnati.

The senator appeared in good spirits as he arrived at St. Anthony of Padua Church to vote with his Indian-origin wife, Usha, and their children.

After casting his ballot for the Trump-Vance ticket, Vance told reporters he was thankful to those who came out to see “one of the great traditions in American democracy.”

“I feel good, you never know until you know, but I feel good about this race,” Vance said.

He acknowledged that in a race this closely divided, no matter who wins the election, at least half of the country will be disappointed. But he said, if elected, he would still treat those who did not vote for his ticket as American citizens.

Democratic vice presidential nominee Governor Tim Walz will make a stop in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania on Tuesday to mobilise voters in the crucial battleground state. Harris is taking to the phones, participating in radio interviews in a final attempt to drive turnout in swing states.

“During the day, I’ll be, today all day talking with folks and reminding them to get out to vote. And on that point, I’ll remind your listeners today is election day,” Harris said.

“I would urge everyone to just remember that in our democracy, the people get to decide and your vote is your power,” she added.

President Joe Biden, 81, has kept a relatively low profile in recent days ahead of the polls to elect his successor. Biden and First Lady Jill Biden will watch the election results from the residence of the White House with long-time aides and senior White House staff, US media reported.  

Biden, who has no public events on his schedule on Tuesday, is expected to receive regular election updates, the outcome which could profoundly impact the US and the world. (Ends)