As the US prepares for the elections on November 5, over 41 million Americans have already cast their early votes, indicating a high level of voter engagement in what is anticipated to be one of the closest elections in recent history. Outgoing President Joe Biden is set to participate in early voting on Monday, according to the White House.
Both Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris are returning to crucial battleground states in their final push. Harris will visit Michigan, where she faces challenges from Arab American voters who are dissatisfied with US support for Israel. Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump will travel to Georgia to address a gathering of pastors and faith leaders before holding a rally.
Harris has been active in Pennsylvania, emphasizing the importance of voter participation. During her campaign stops, she expressed, “The election is here, and the choice, Philly, is truly in your hands.” This marks her 14th visit to the state since Biden withdrew from the race in July.
Trump, rallying his base in New York’s Madison Square Garden, made controversial remarks that have drawn criticism, particularly concerning immigration and his portrayal of Harris. He has attempted to galvanize evangelical voters by highlighting his previous Supreme Court appointments that led to the overturning of Roe v. Wade.
Both candidates are intensifying their efforts to mobilize their respective voter bases, with Harris focusing on abortion rights and Trump framing her as “radical.” Harris has cautioned that Trump’s policies would roll back progress, particularly for women and moderate Republicans.
However, Harris faces challenges in appealing to the Democratic Party’s diverse base, especially amid rising civilian casualties in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. Despite her critical stance at times, she has maintained the administration’s support for Israel, which may alienate some voters in Michigan, a key swing state with a significant Muslim and Arab American population.
