US election 2024 timeline: Key dates in Trump vs Harris. (Image: Getty)
Discover the key dates and events in the US election timeline, as former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris face off in the 2024 race.
From primaries to Election Day and Inauguration, Express.co.uk looks at and explains the whole process.
The path to the White House is much more complicated than some might think and there are plenty of steps that need to be made leading up to election date.
Here is everything you need to know.
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The 2024 election process began with primaries and caucuses. (Image: Getty)
Primaries and Caucuses: The Start of the Election Season
The 2024 election process began with primaries and caucuses, which took place from January to June 2024.
These contests allowed each state to select delegates for the national party conventions.
Candidates like Trump and Harris campaigned vigorously during this period to secure their party’s nomination.
Iowa held the first caucus on January 15, 2024, followed by New Hampshire’s primary on January 23.
The Democratic and Republican National Conventions were held in the summer of 2024. (Image: Getty)
Party Conventions: Officially Nominating the Candidates
After the primaries, the Democratic and Republican National Conventions were held in the summer of 2024.
These conventions were key events where each party officially nominated its candidate for the presidency.
The Republican convention took place between July 15 and 18, while the Democratic convention was scheduled from August 19 to 22.
At these events, Trump and Harris were confirmed as their party’s presidential nominees.
Election Campaign Season: Debates, Advertising, and Rallies
Following the conventions, the general election campaign kicked into high gear.
Candidates travelled across the country, holding rallies, participating in debates, and running advertising campaigns to sway undecided voters.
The presidential debates began in September 2024 and were crucial moments that could have shifted momentum.
Trump and Harris fiercely competed for key battleground states like Pennsylvania, Arizona, and Georgia.
Trump and Harris Candidates travelled across the country holding rallies & participating in debates. (Image: Getty)
Election Day: When and How Americans Vote
Election Day is set for Tuesday, November 5, 2024.
On this day, millions of Americans will cast their votes for the next President of the United States.
While many voters opt for early voting or mail-in ballots, Election Day is the final opportunity to vote in person.
Key states will play a major role in determining the outcome, as candidates need to win electoral votes to claim victory.
The Electoral College Vote: Making the Election Official
After Election Day, the election results aren’t official until the Electoral College meets.
On December 16, 2024, electors from each state will gather to cast their official votes for President and Vice President.
A total of 270 electoral votes are required to win. Though rare, this stage has seen controversies in the past, such as in the 2000 and 2016 elections.
Election Day is set for Tuesday, November 5, 2024. (Image: Getty)
The Transition Period: What Happens Before Inauguration?
From Election Day until Inauguration, there is a transition period during which the new President-elect prepares to take office.
During this time, the outgoing administration works with the incoming one to ensure a smooth handover of power.
Should Trump win, this period may involve significant shifts in policy direction from the current Democratic administration.
On January 20, 2025, the new President will be sworn into office. (Image: Getty)
Inauguration Day: When the New President Takes Office
On January 20, 2025, the new President will be sworn into office in Washington, D.C. marking the official start of their four-year term.
This event includes the Oath of Office, which is administered by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, and the President’s inaugural address.
