In a historic return, Donald Trump has secured enough electoral votes in the 2024 U.S. presidential election to defeat incumbent Vice President Kamala Harris and become the 47th President.

Key Results of the 2024 Presidential Election

Trump’s path to victory relied on flipping key swing states that had narrowly voted Democratic in 2020, particularly in the Rust Belt and Sun Belt regions. His wins in Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Wisconsin were central to his successful bid.

Electoral College Breakdown

Trump’s electoral success came through strategic campaigning across states where economic concerns and conservative values resonated with voters.

Here’s a breakdown of some critical states:

• Pennsylvania (19 electoral votes): This Rust Belt state has often been pivotal in recent elections. Trump edged out Harris by focusing on manufacturing and job creation, winning by 50.8% to 48.3%.
• Georgia (16 electoral votes): After losing Georgia in 2020, Trump strongly pushed to regain support, ultimately winning it back with just over 50% of the vote.
• Wisconsin (10 electoral votes): Trump’s narrow win in Wisconsin helped cement his lead. His focus on blue-collar job growth and manufacturing struck a chord with Wisconsin voters.

Other significant victories included Florida and Texas, which have large populations and have become essential for Republican electoral strategies.

The Swing States That Defined Trump’s Victory

Trump’s decisive path to victory came through hard-fought battles in swing states often described as the “Blue Wall” and the “Sun Belt.”

1. Pennsylvania and Michigan: Known for their strong working-class base, these states were pivotal. Trump’s economic nationalism, promising protection of U.S. industries, resonated with voters, especially in Pennsylvania, which he won by a slim margin. While Harris took Michigan, Trump’s strong showing in neighbouring states compensated for the loss.
2. Georgia and Arizona: Key to his strategy was flipping Georgia and Arizona, which had swung to the Democrats in 2020. Trump’s campaign successfully engaged conservative voters in both states, particularly through a strong social media presence and endorsements from influential figures like Elon Musk and Joe Rogan, who appealed to younger male demographics.
3. Wisconsin: Another important swing state, Wisconsin’s voters leaned toward Trump’s promises of economic revitalization and job growth. His message resonated strongly with the state’s manufacturing and farming communities.
4. North Carolina and Nevada: Trump’s win in North Carolina and strong performance in Nevada highlighted his appeal to more conservative, rural populations. Harris did win some support among urban voters in these states. Still, rural and suburban areas tilted in Trump’s favour, ultimately handing him a lead in North Carolina and a narrow win in Nevada.

Voter Demographics and Turnout Trends

The 2024 election brought out a large and diverse voter turnout, with notable trends among key demographics:

• Young Male Voters: Trump’s social media strategy, supported by figures like Elon Musk, Joe Rogan, and other high-profile influencers, resonated well with young men. The campaign’s focus on economic freedom, national pride, and opposition to “woke” policies appealed to this demographic, leading to a high turnout among young male voters.
• Suburban and Independent Voters: Vice President Harris saw significant support from suburban women and independent voters, primarily due to her stance on healthcare, reproductive rights, and other social issues. However, Trump’s appeal in rural and deindustrialized regions offset Harris’s suburban support, especially in states like Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Georgia.
• Minority Voters: Trump’s campaign made inroads with certain segments of minority voters, particularly among Hispanic men in states like Florida and Texas, where economic issues and opposition to increased government regulation played a role in shifting support to the GOP.

These demographic patterns underscored the polarized nature of the election, with each candidate securing strong support from their base but competing fiercely over independent and swing voters.

Senate and House Outcomes

The 2024 elections also reshaped Congress, giving Republicans a renewed hold on power in the Senate:

• Senate Control: Republicans gained three seats, reaching a majority with 51 seats. This majority will enable Trump to push forward judicial appointments and policies that align with his agenda without major obstacles from the Senate.
• House of Representatives: Although the House results remain undecided due to tight races and mail-in ballot counts, Republicans are projected to hold a slight lead. This outcome will further bolster Trump’s ability to enact his policies if confirmed.

Trump’s Policy Plans for His Second Term

Donald Trump’s return to office brings an ambitious policy agenda that centres on key areas where he has pledged to drive significant change.

1. Economic Nationalism

• Trump has clarified that his administration will prioritize American industry and job creation. Policies are expected to include tariffs on foreign imports, incentives for U.S.-based manufacturing, and tax cuts for businesses that create jobs domestically.
• Energy Independence: Trump plans to expand fossil fuel production in the U.S., particularly in states rich in natural resources like Texas and Pennsylvania. He aims to scale back renewable energy mandates, arguing that American energy independence requires a robust oil and natural gas sector.

2. Immigration Reform

• Trump has committed to tightening immigration policies, with plans for mass deportations of undocumented immigrants and increased border security. His administration has announced that it will push for the completion of the border wall and enhance surveillance and law enforcement at the southern border.
• End to Sanctuary Policies: Trump’s second term will likely target cities with sanctuary policies, with federal funding cuts threatened for jurisdictions that do not comply with stricter immigration regulations.

3. Social Policies and Education

• Parental Rights in Education: Trump has announced intentions to introduce measures that protect “parental rights” in education, including policies against teaching critical race theory and gender-related topics in K-12 education.
• Healthcare: Although a detailed healthcare plan has not been revealed, Trump has indicated he will work to lower drug prices and potentially roll back parts of the Affordable Care Act, aiming for more privatized healthcare options.

4. Foreign Policy and Defense

• “America First” Foreign Policy: Trump’s approach to international relations is expected to focus on reducing foreign aid, bolstering the U.S. military, and prioritizing trade deals that he argues will benefit American workers. He has hinted at withdrawing from global alliances that do not serve “direct American interests.”
• Military Spending: Trump has pledged to increase military spending, especially on advanced defence systems. He also indicated plans to restructure international alliances, focusing on partnerships that clearly benefit the U.S.

5. Judicial Appointments

• With a Republican-led Senate, Trump’s administration will have a clear path to appoint conservative judges, further solidifying a conservative-leaning judiciary for years. This could have long-term implications on rulings related to social policies, voting rights, and federal regulatory powers.

Public Reaction and Political Implications

The response to Trump’s victory has been deeply divided. Energized by his victory, his supporters anticipate a bold return to conservative policies.

However, Harris supporters and political opponents have voiced concerns over potential rollbacks on progressive reforms, fearing impacts on healthcare, immigration, and environmental protections.

The 2024 election reflects a polarized political climate in the U.S., with each side deeply committed to its values and ideologies.

Trump’s second term will likely be characterized by strong partisan divides and significant debate over the direction of American policies domestically and abroad.

Final Results Snapshot (As of Latest Counts)

Candidate	Electoral Votes	Key States Won
Donald Trump	277	PA, GA, FL, WI, TX
Kamala Harris	224	MI, VA, NH, and several West Coast states

Summary of Key Poll Closing Times (Eastern Time)

Time	States
6:00 PM	Indiana (Eastern Zone), Kentucky (Eastern Zone)
7:00 PM	Georgia, South Carolina, Virginia, parts of Florida
7:30 PM	North Carolina, Ohio, West Virginia
8:00 PM	Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, PA, TX
9:00 PM	Arizona, Colorado, Iowa, Louisiana, New York
11:00 PM	California, Washington, Oregon

Concluding Thoughts

Donald Trump’s 2024 victory ushers in a new chapter in U.S. politics. His administration promises to prioritize American economic interests, tighten immigration, and reshape social policies.

As Trump prepares for his second term, the U.S. faces a future defined by bold policy shifts and a reinvigorated Republican base, setting the stage for another four years of significant political and social impact.

Trump’s second term will be closely watched as he implements his vision, especially in immigration, economic reform, and international relations.

For the 2024 U.S. presidential election on November 5, polls close at different times depending on the state.

Overview of Poll Closing Times by Region and Time Zone

Poll closing times vary significantly across the United States, especially in states that span multiple time zones. Below is a complete guide by time zone, showing when polls close in each state for Election Day 2024.

Early Poll Closures at 6:00 PM Eastern Time

Poll closures start at 6:00 PM Eastern Time (ET), with two states leading the count:

• Indiana (Eastern Time Zone): Most of Indiana closes at 6:00 PM ET, though parts of the state in Central Time close at 7:00 PM ET.
• Kentucky (Eastern Time Zone): Like Indiana, most Kentucky precincts close at 6:00 PM ET, with Central Time areas closing an hour later​.

Key 7:00 PM Eastern Time Closures

Several states end voting at 7:00 PM ET, including battleground states that can impact early election results:

• Georgia
• South Carolina
• Virginia
• Florida: While most of Florida closes at 7:00 PM ET, counties in the Central Time Zone close at 8:00 PM ET, reflecting Florida’s split time zone.

7:30 PM Eastern Time Closures

Three states have polls closing at 7:30 PM ET:

• North Carolina
• Ohio
• West Virginia

North Carolina and Ohio are critical swing states, making this an important time slot for election watchers​.

Major Closures at 8:00 PM Eastern Time

At 8:00 PM ET, a large portion of the country’s polls close, encompassing several significant states:

• Alabama
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• New Jersey
• Pennsylvania
• Tennessee: Eastern Time areas close at 8:00 PM ET, while Central Time zones close at 7:00 PM local time.
• Texas: Most of Texas closes at 8:00 PM ET, though areas in the Mountain Time Zone close an hour later at 9:00 PM ET​.

8:30 PM Eastern Time: Arkansas

• Arkansas: The only state closing polls at 8:30 PM ET​.

9:00 PM Eastern Time Closures

This time includes a mix of states from the Mountain and Central Time Zones:

• Arizona
• Colorado
• Iowa
• Louisiana
• New York
• Nebraska (Central and Mountain Time Zones): The eastern portion of Nebraska closes at 8:00 PM ET, while the Mountain Time Zone part closes at 9:00 PM ET.
• South Dakota: Central Time Zone areas close at 8:00 PM ET, while Mountain Time areas close at 9:00 PM ET​.

10:00 PM Eastern Time Closures

At 10:00 PM ET, states with large geographic areas and diverse populations complete their voting:

• Idaho (Mountain Time Zone)
• Montana
• Utah
• Nevada
• Oregon: Oregon also has split time zones; polls close simultaneously across Mountain and Pacific Time regions​.

West Coast Closures at 11:00 PM Eastern Time

The West Coast, home to several high-population states, concludes voting at 11:00 PM ET:

• Californi
• Washington
• Oregon
• Idaho (Pacific Time Zone)

California’s large number of electoral votes and historically Democratic leanings make it one of the final states to watch as results roll in​

Final Closures from Midnight to 1:00 AM Eastern Time

The last poll closures occur in Alaska and Hawaii:

• Alaska: Most areas close at midnight ET, though some precincts in remote areas may close by 1:00 AM ET.
• Hawaii: As the westernmost state, Hawaii closes at 1:00 AM ET, marking the official end of voting on Election Day.

Why Poll Closing Times Matter

Poll closing times directly impact the flow of election results. As states finish voting and local boards begin counting ballots, early and battleground states provide the first clues to election outcomes.

For example:

• 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM ET Closures: Early results from states like Indiana and Kentucky can set initial trends.
• 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM ET Closures: Key swing states such as Pennsylvania, Ohio, and North Carolina play a central role, often creating the “pivot points” in election night coverage.
• 11:00 PM ET and Later: States on the West Coast and Alaska bring final tallies that can confirm or challenge earlier predictions.

Summary Table of Key Poll Closing Times (All Eastern Time)

Time	States
6:00 PM	Indiana (Eastern Zone), Kentucky (Eastern Zone)
7:00 PM	Georgia, South Carolina, Virginia, parts of Florida
7:30 PM	North Carolina, Ohio, West Virginia
8:00 PM	Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, PA, TX
8:30 PM	Arkansas
9:00 PM	Arizona, Colorado, Iowa, Louisiana, New York
10:00 PM	Idaho, Montana, Utah, Nevada, Oregon
11:00 PM	California, Washington, Oregon
12:00 AM	Alaska
1:00 AM	Hawaii

Tips for Voters on Election Day

To ensure a smooth voting experience:

1. Check Your Local Poll Hours: Confirm specific closing times at your precinct to avoid last-minute surprises.
2. Arrive Early: Polling places can be busy, so arrive with plenty of time to cast your ballot.
3. Know What’s on Your Ballot: Being informed saves time and helps you vote confidently.

Final Thoughts

The 2024 election promises to be an impactful event, with diverse poll closing times across the U.S. affecting voters and news coverage.

By knowing when polls close in each state, voters can make informed choices and avoid the stress of missing the voting deadline.

As Election Day progresses, these closing times will shape the narrative of election night and influence when states can declare results, especially in closely contested areas.

Hurricane Milton pummeled Florida, causing widespread devastation, flooding, and power outages as it crossed the state, resulting in at least two deaths and potentially costing insurers billions.

The Devastation Unleashed by Hurricane Milton

Hurricane Milton made landfall late Wednesday as a Category 3 storm, with winds reaching 120 mph.

The hurricane began its rampage on the western coast of Florida near Siesta Key, leaving behind a trail of destruction from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean.

Its intense winds, torrential rains, and storm surge wreaked havoc on homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure.

Severe Flooding and Storm Surge

The storm surge from Hurricane Milton was a major cause of concern as it flooded numerous coastal communities. In some areas, water levels rose by as much as 10 feet.

Although Tampa Bay initially experienced a reverse storm surge that temporarily pushed water away from the shoreline, the hurricane center warned that the water would return and flood low-lying areas once the surge fully developed.

Areas like St. Petersburg, Clearwater, and Tampa were hardest hit by the flooding.

Tampa International Airport recorded more than 16 inches of rain, overwhelming drainage systems and forcing the airport to shut down temporarily. Streets turned into rivers, making travel and rescue efforts nearly impossible.

The impact on inland communities was no less severe. Rivers overflowed, submerging homes and cutting off access to some neighborhoods.

Flash flood warnings were issued across the region, with local officials urging residents to move to higher ground.

Also Read: Latest Updates on Hurricane Helene Nears Florida as a Category 4 Storm

Destruction of Homes and Businesses

As Hurricane Milton roared through Florida, it left a path of destruction in both urban and rural areas. Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and Naples reported heavy damage from winds and flooding.

Roofs were ripped off homes, windows shattered, and mobile homes were obliterated. In some towns, entire neighborhoods were submerged, and the recovery process is expected to take months.

The city of Sarasota, which is located just south of Siesta Key, suffered extensive damage to its waterfront properties.

Boats were torn from their moorings and tossed ashore, smashing into docks and coastal businesses. Downtown Sarasota was left without power, and many streets were impassable due to debris and floodwaters.

Economic Impact of Hurricane Milton

The economic ramifications of Hurricane Milton are expected to be massive, with analysts projecting potential losses of up to $100 billion.

The storm’s timing couldn’t have been worse. It followed another hurricane, Helene, which had already strained resources and devastated several states.

Impact on Insurance and Reinsurance Markets

According to insurance experts, Hurricane Milton could lead to some of the highest insured losses in history, rivaling the damage caused by Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

With an estimated loss range of $60 billion to $100 billion, the storm may force global insurance companies to reevaluate their policies, especially in hurricane-prone regions like Florida.

Insurance premiums are expected to rise as reinsurance companies grapple with the surge in claims. Reinsurance prices, which help primary insurance companies manage large-scale disasters, are predicted to climb sharply in 2025.

This could have far-reaching consequences for homeowners and businesses in Florida and other coastal states.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis highlighted the scope of the destruction, emphasizing that while insured losses would be substantial, they were unlikely to be catastrophic for the industry.

However, the overall financial impact on Florida’s economy could be severe as businesses shut down, tourism suffers, and infrastructure repairs lag.

Also Read: Tropical Storm Helene Threatens Florida and Gulf Coast, Could Become a Major Hurricane

Spike in Fuel Prices

The hurricane also contributed to a surge in oil prices, as heightened demand for gasoline and diesel ahead of the storm pushed fuel costs higher.

Many gas stations across Florida ran out of fuel as residents prepared for the storm’s impact, creating a temporary fuel crisis.

This demand surge, combined with global supply concerns, particularly in the Middle East amid tensions between Israel and Iran, led to a spike in crude oil prices on Thursday.

Community Response and Relief Efforts

In the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, communities across the state have mobilized to assist those in need.

Emergency shelters, churches, and schools have opened their doors to evacuees, offering food, water, and a safe place to stay. However, the scale of the damage has made it challenging to reach everyone affected by the storm.

First Responders Struggle Amid Dangerous Conditions

During the height of Hurricane Milton, first responders were largely immobilized due to the extreme conditions.

High-speed winds, flooding, and tornadoes made it too dangerous for rescue teams to venture out, leaving many residents to fend for themselves.

Emergency services received hundreds of calls for help, but authorities had warned the public that the 911 response would be delayed until the storm passed.

In the days following the hurricane, National Guard units, FEMA, and local emergency crews worked tirelessly to clear debris, rescue stranded individuals, and restore power to affected areas.

Helicopter rescue teams were deployed to reach people in flooded neighborhoods while search-and-rescue operations continued in areas hit by tornadoes.

Comparisons to Past Hurricanes: How Milton Measures Up

Hurricane Milton has been compared to some of the most destructive storms in U.S. history, including Hurricanes Katrina and Irma.

Regarding wind speed and storm surge, Milton’s Category 3 status and 120 mph winds align it with other major hurricanes that have struck Florida in recent decades.

However, what sets Hurricane Milton apart is the combination of extreme wind, intense flooding, and the sheer number of tornadoes it spawned.

Nineteen tornadoes were reported during the storm, wreaking havoc in multiple counties nationwide.

Regarding total damage, Hurricane Katrina still holds the record with over $160 billion in total losses.

However, if Hurricane Milton’s upper-end estimates of $100 billion in insured losses prove accurate, it could surpass Hurricane Irma (2017), which caused around $77 billion in damages.

Environmental and Long-Term Effects

The environmental toll of Hurricane Milton will also be significant. The most immediate concerns are coastal erosion, damage to wetlands, and destruction of wildlife habitats.

Florida’s fragile ecosystems, particularly its coastal marshes and mangroves, serve as critical buffers against storms, and their damage could make future hurricanes even more destructive.

In the weeks following the storm, experts will assess the long-term impact on agriculture, marine life, and water quality.

Agricultural communities in central Florida, particularly in the citrus and vegetable-growing regions, are expected to suffer significant losses.

What’s Next for Florida?

As Hurricane Milton moves away from Florida, leaving behind a battered landscape, the state turns to the long recovery process.

The immediate priority will be restoring power, clearing debris, and ensuring the safety of the state’s residents. However, the road to full recovery will be long and complex.

Federal disaster aid will play a critical role in helping Florida rebuild. Emergency funds will be used to restore infrastructure, provide financial assistance to those displaced by the storm, and rebuild homes destroyed in the hurricane’s path.

Additionally, state and federal officials must assess the potential for improving hurricane preparedness and strengthening infrastructure to withstand future storms.

A Devastating Impact and a Long Road Ahead

Hurricane Milton has left an indelible mark on Florida, with catastrophic flooding, widespread power outages, and billions of dollars in potential damages.

From the storm’s initial landfall on Siesta Key to the severe flooding and tornadoes that ravaged communities across the state, the hurricane’s destructive power was felt by millions.

As Florida’s residents begin rebuilding, Hurricane Milton’s economic, environmental, and emotional toll will be felt for months—if not years—to come.