WORLD
Americans began casting ballots on Tuesday for US elections 2020 in a day unlike any other, braving the threat of COVID-19.
US election results 2020: Americans by the millions waited patiently to cast their ballots at libraries, schools and arenas across the United States on Tuesday, in an orderly show of civic duty that belied the deep tensions of one of the most polarizing presidential campaigns in the country's history.
Face masks worn by many and boarded-up stores in some city centers were reminders of two of the issues shaping 2020's elections, with COVID-19 still ravaging parts of the country after a summer of sometimes violence-marred protests against police brutality and racism.
Biden, the Democratic former vice president and a career politician, has had a strong and consistent lead in national polls.
But the Republican Trump is close in enough swing states to possibly piece together the 270 state-by-state Electoral College votes needed to hold on to the presidency, which he won in a surprise 2016 election result despite losing the popular vote to Democrat Hillary Clinton by nearly 3 million ballots.
However, it may be days before the result is known, especially if legal challenges focused on postal ballots are accepted in the event of a tight race.
There is also a fear of possible unrest. Several cities are boarding up buildings in anticipation of possible protests, including around the White House and in New York City.
Polls opened in some Eastern states at 6 am EST (1100 GMT). The most closely watched results will start to trickle in after 7 pm EST (2400 GMT) when polls close in states such as Georgia, though definitive national results could take days if the contest is tight.
Most world leaders are maintaining silence over the US election. However, few came out with their observations.
"Let's wait and see what the outcome is," said British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab. "There's obviously a significant amount of uncertainty. It's much closer than I think many had expected."
The Slovenian prime minister broke ranks and congratulated Trump and the Republican party on Twitter.
"It's pretty clear that American people have elected @realDonaldTrump and @Mike_Pence for #4moreyears," wrote Janez Jansa, one of several east European leaders, including Hungary's Viktor Orban, who are fervent Trump allies. "Congratulations @GOP for strong results across the #US."
Texas, Florida, Ohio, Iowa, Montana, Idaho, Utah, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Louisiana, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Kentucky, West Virginia, Indiana, South Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama and Arkansas.
Joe Biden's victories:
Minnesota, Hawaii, California, Oregon, Washington, New Hampshire, Colorado, the District of Columbia, New Mexico, New York, Virginia, Vermont, Rhode Island, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Maryland, Illinois, Delaware and Connecticut.
Biden campaign manager Jen O’Malley Dillon in a statement said, “The president’s statement tonight about trying to shut down the counting of duly cast ballots was outrageous, unprecedented, and incorrect".
"It was outrageous because it is a naked effort to take away the democratic rights of American citizens," he further added.
"This is a fraud on the American public,” the president said at the White House. “This is an embarrassment to our country.” The president pledged to fight the results of the election at the supreme court.
“We will be going to the US supreme court. We want all voting to stop,” Trump said.
Election results from some battleground states, including Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Michigan and Georgia, were still not clear and projections from major networks and Edison Research showed Trump still short of the 270 electoral votes need to win re-election. Election officials in key swing states continue to count valid ballots, and that process could continue for days.
I believe we are in track to win this election. We feel good about where we are. I'm here to tell you that we are on track to win this election. We knew coz of the unprecedented early vote-mail-in vote. We will know till every vote, every ballot is counted. We are feeling confident about Arizona, Minnesota and we are still in the game in Georgia, although we didn't expect it. We are feeling confident about Wisconsin. We are going to win in Pennsylvania. We will know the results by tom morning: Joe Biden
Biden is now being given 209 electoral votes and Trump a maximum of 116, because Nebraska splits its electoral votes based on congressional district.
The magic number is 270. Observers expect the hotly contested race for the White House to come down to a handful of key battleground states that have yet to be called.
It's turning out to be a close contest.
Donald Trump has won the states of Oklahoma, Tennessee, Mississippi and Alabama.
Joe Biden has won seven states, including his home state of Delaware. The Democratic nominee won Rhode Island, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Maryland, Illinois, Delaware and Connecticut.
A buoyant Trump said Republicans were "looking really good" as US election voting reached its peak.
WE ARE LOOKING REALLY GOOD ALL OVER THE COUNTRY. THANK YOU!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 3, 2020
Over 100 million voters have already exercised their franchise. According to US Elections Project, 101,167,740 people in the United States have voted already with 35,923,053 in-person votes and 65,244,687 mail-in ballots.
In California over 12 million votes have cast their ballot with over 9 million in Texas who have exercised their democratic right even as President Trump and Democratic presidential hopeful Joe Biden meet with last-minute voters.
Manipur violence: AFSPA reimposed in 6 police station areas including troubled Jiribam
Delhi Air Pollution: Delhi-NCR engulfed in thick smog, AQI in 'severe' category
Is Elon Musk buying McDonald's after Donald Trump's win? Here's what we know so far
Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson live streaming: When and where to watch much-anticipated fight
US takes immigration issue 'incredibly seriously': State Dept amid visa delays
Guru Nanak Jayanti 2024: Are banks closed or open today? Check state-wise list here
Beaver moon 2024 today: All you need to know about 2024's last supermoon
Anil Ambani's Reliance Infra posts Rs 4082 crore profit in 3 months, market cap climbs to Rs...
Meet Prerna Singh, daughter of autorickshaw driver, who cracked NEET-UG, her score was...
Meet woman, who cracked UPSC exam while doing full time job, secured AIR 3, now she is...
Viral video: Little girl wins heart with adorable dance to Janhvi Kapoor’s 'chuttamalle' song, watch
IND vs SA, 4th T20I Dream11 prediction: Fantasy cricket tips for India vs South Africa match
IND vs SA, 4th T20I: Predicted playing XIs, live streaming details, weather and pitch report
Delhi: All primary schools closed, classes shifted to online mode due to rising pollution levels
BIG trouble for Anil Ambani, criminal charges against his Rs 14422 crore company over...
Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 producer calls Singham Again team 'unfair' after the box office win
From Play to Pay, Gaming Is Big Business And A Genuine Professional Prospect
Leasehold vs Freehold: Exploring Options for Expats and Investors in Dubai
Mukesh Ambani's Reliance, Disney complete Rs 70352 crore media merger, to be headed by...
Badshah lands in legal trouble, case registered against rapper for...
GRAP III imposed in Delhi: What is allowed, what is banned amid 'severe' air quality
'Throwing me in deep end': Ricky Ponting takes fresh dig at Gautam Gambhir over Virat Kohli remarks
Revolutionizing Inventory Management in the Cloud Era: Pradeep Kumar’s Strategic Innovations
Delhi: AAP's Mahesh Khichi elected mayor as party defeats BJP in MCD polls
Delhi Air Pollution: GRAP 3 to be imposed in national capital from Nov 15, strict ban on...
WATCH: Inside Rinku Singh's Rs 3.5 crore luxurious house with rooftop bar, private pool
Renowned Yoga Guru Sharath Jois passes away at 53 after suffering heart attack
NASA alert! Giant 'God Of Chaos' asteroid set for close approach to Earth, may trigger astroquakes
UPPSC protest BIG update: RO-ARO exam postponed, PCS prelims to be held in one day
This man earned more money than Mukesh Ambani and world's richest man Elon Musk in one day, he is...
'World's best....': Japan vlogger's reaction to Bengaluru airport goes viral
Sania Mirza named Sports Ambassador of THIS city, not Delhi, Hyderabad, Jaipur
Shloka Mehta turns heads in sleek white gown at Tira store launch, see pics
Amid Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai divorce rumours, Jaya Bachchan surprises everyone with...
IND vs SA: Arshdeep Singh goes past Bhuvneshwar Kumar to become Indian pacer with most....
Mukesh Ambani, Isha Ambani’s luxury retail chain opens new store at...
PM Modi to receive Dominica’s highest national award for...
Shraddha Kapoor says people with big foreheads are…
'Busy making...': Kanhaiya Kumar sparks row with remarks on Devendra Fadnavis' wife; BJP hits back
'Full baarati vibes': Vietnamese man's epic 'nagin dance' steals show at Mumbai event
Tilak Varma credits THIS player for his century against South Africa, says 'He gave me...'
UPSC IFS Mains Admit Card 2024 to be released today at upsc.gov.in, check direct link to download
'Be prepared for...': Rupali Ganguly's stepdaughter Esha Verma REACTS to Rs 50 crore defamation case
Saudi, Iran: Cautious dance toward détente?
Anushka Sharma shares glimpse of Children’s Day special dish for daughter Vamika, son Akaay
Jaw-dropping! Man wraps massive green anaconda around his shoulders, internet says...
Donald Trump plans to end Russia-Ukraine war with THIS move, is expected to 'soon' appoint...
As pollution worsens in Delhi with AQI at 'severe' level, experts at COP29 urge India to...
SDM Assault Case: 60 people arrested in Rajasthan's Tonk
Veg thali cost more than non-veg thali in October, here's why