Election 2024: A Swing State Perspective

It’s an election year, and it feels like everything is at stake. Living in a swing state, the intensity is palpable. It seems like we’re the only fish in the sea, with campaign signs around every corner: “Vote Kamala Harris,” “Vote Donald Trump,” “Vote Mark Swain,” “Vote Mo Green,” “Vote Josh Stein.”

But what’s best for America? Ask half the population eight years ago, and you might have got a different answer. This election cycle has brought out celebrities and controversies alike, fuelling both sides. One side emphasises hope and progress: the other taps into anger and division.

Key Issues on the Ballot

This election brings several critical issues to the forefront: women’s health, immigration, gun policy, foreign relations, racial inequality, and the economy. Which matters most? It often depends on where you live.

For us in swing states

Being in a swing state during an election season means feeling like every vote could tip the scales. There’s no escaping the reminders—campaign ads cover nearly every space, often in unexpected places. Even a trip to a local furniture store can reveal campaign blankets draped over couches, a clear sign of the high stakes and deep pockets funding these campaigns.

For those of us in battleground states, tuning out the political noise isn’t an option. The constant stream of political messages surrounds us, targeting not only loyal party members but also the undecided and new voters who are still weighing what matters most for their families and communities. Often, it’s these very voters who hold the power to shift the outcome. In a swing state, every message, every ad, and every discussion feels like it carries the weight of the entire election.

What It’s Really Like in a Swing State

Living in a swing state is about more than seeing campaign signs at every light. It’s also about seeing families and friendships tested, sometimes broken. Political divides can go beyond simple differences of opinion; they strike at the heart of our values and beliefs. For some, it’s about deeply held principles—such as the right to choose or the right to equal treatment. Swing states reveal this more starkly than anywhere else.

What to Expect on Election Night

Election night is unlikely to bring immediate results. Here’s what to know and where to tune in if you’re outside the U.S.:

It won’t be decided on election night: Expect results to unfold in the days following, as vote counting continues in key areas.

International Coverage:

• BBC News Channel
• ITV – Harris vs. Trump: The Results
• Channel 4 – America Decides: US Presidential Election
• Sky News – America Votes
   

What’s at Stake

This election feels like the most significant of our lifetime, especially for those of us who have a daughter, sister, friend, or mother who stands to be impacted by the outcome. Everything is on the line. For those questioning how we got here, you’re not alone.

Both sides are firmly entrenched this season. While it’s impossible to predict what will happen, there’s hope that, whatever the result, we’ll find a way to heal and move forward together.