Who Won the Popular Vote: A Comprehensive Analysis of the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election

The 2024 presidential election in the United States has been a topic of intense interest and analysis, with the issue of the popular vote garnering particular attention. As of November 2024, the results continue to be tallied, but early projections suggest a decisive victory for President-elect Trump. This article provides a detailed look at the popular vote counts and the complexities involved in determining the winner of the popular vote.

Current Status of the Vote Count

As of two Thursdays after the election, it is no longer feasible for Kamala Harris to claim victory in the popular vote. A few days ago, the possibility appeared to be open, given the ongoing tabulation of votes in heavily populated areas such as Los Angeles County, California. However, the latest results show that the vote is heavily in favor of President-elect Donald Trump.

As of the current map, Los Angeles County, one of the most populous counties in California, has completed 94% of the vote count. Despite this, Trump retains a significant lead of over three million votes nationally. The overwhelming majority of the remaining counties in California have also gone for Trump, leaving very few votes available for Harris.

Outside of the West Coast, every state has a high percentage (90% or more) of votes counted, with no significant votes remaining to change the outcome. This leaves electoral experts and analysts with little doubt that Trump will maintain his lead.

Electoral vs. Popular Vote

The popular vote and the electoral vote are two distinct ways of determining the winner of a presidential election. While the electoral vote is the more legally binding method, the popular vote is often discussed and debated.

It's important to note that there is no final “official” popular vote total. Each state is required to publish a Certificate of Ascertainment by December 7th, which includes their certified election results. These certificates are the most official data available for the popular vote.

No federal government agency is tasked with tallying the 51 separate popular vote totals to produce an “official” national popular vote. The “national popular vote” is a non-binding and non-constitutional concept that has no real impact on the outcome of the election. It is merely a statistic discussed by political analysts and the public.

Presidential Election Results

Based on preliminary projections, President-elect Trump secured a significant victory with 312 electoral votes and more than 50% of the popular vote nationally. While the exact numbers are still being finalized and certified, these early projections provide a clear indication of the election's outcome.

According to the latest data, Trump won the popular vote by a margin of over five million votes. This large lead is based on the votes counted so far, although there remains a possibility of more votes being tallied, though it is unlikely to change the outcome significantly.

Conclusion

The 2024 presidential election results are still being finalized, with a significant lead for President-elect Trump in both electoral and popular votes. While the popular vote is a fascinating topic, it's important to understand that the electoral process holds the most weight in determining the winner of the presidency.

For further insights and updates on the 2024 U.S. presidential election, stay tuned to the latest news and analysis from reputable sources.

Keywords: 2024 US Election, Popular Vote, Electoral Vote