Donald Trump is celebrating a remarkable political comeback, winning the 2024 presidential election after a tumultuous period following his attempt to overturn the 2020 results. As president-elect, Trump is poised to reshape the U.S. government, capitalizing on a rightward shift in the election results and the possibility of Republican control of the U.S. House of Representatives.

While Trump will likely tout his victory as a landslide, the reality of the 2024 election results tells a more nuanced story. As of Saturday, Trump leads the popular vote with over 74 million votes, though millions of ballots remain uncounted in key states like California, Washington, and Utah. The final tally may not be known until December. Notably, Trump received just over 74 million votes in 2020, highlighting some voter apathy in this cycle, as turnout has yet to match the record-setting levels seen in the last presidential election.

Despite this, the University of Florida Election Lab projects that voter turnout in 2024 will reach 62.3% of the eligible population, a drop from the 66.4% turnout in 2020 but still higher than in past elections. In comparison, turnout in the 1996 and 2000 elections was just above 50%.

In terms of the Electoral College, Trump is on track to secure 312 electoral votes if he maintains his lead in Arizona. While this is a solid victory, it is not an overwhelming mandate. His projected total is lower than previous presidential elections, including his own in 2016 and Joe Biden’s 2020 win, where both secured 306 electoral votes. Trump’s projected 312 electoral votes would also fall short of Barack Obama’s victories in 2008 and 2012, when he garnered 365 and 332 votes, respectively.

Looking back at historic landslides, Bill Clinton’s 1996 win with 379 electoral votes and Ronald Reagan’s 1984 landslide with 525 electoral votes remain unmatched in recent history. In the 1960s and 1970s, both Richard Nixon and Lyndon B. Johnson enjoyed more than 60% of the popular vote in their reelections, a feat unthinkable in today’s polarized political environment.

Trump’s win marks the third consecutive presidential election where voters have rejected the incumbent party, a phenomenon not seen since the late 1800s. If Republicans do gain control of the House, Trump will have the opportunity to push forward his agenda. However, with the 22nd Amendment limiting him to two terms, the 2026 midterm elections will provide voters with a chance to weigh in on his administration’s effectiveness and decisions.

While Trump’s 2024 victory is significant, the future of his presidency will be shaped by how he navigates political challenges and maintains support in the years ahead.

American voters cast their ballots Tuesday in a pivotal election marked by a mass democratic exercise, with tens of millions expected to participate without major incidents. However, the electoral process faces increased scrutiny amid ongoing concerns over voter eligibility, logistical issues, and the fallout from former President Donald Trump’s unfounded claims of widespread election fraud.

As of mid-morning, officials reported only minor disruptions related to severe weather and “temporary infrastructure issues.” Cait Conley, a senior adviser at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, stated that there have been no significant national incidents affecting the security of election infrastructure. She noted that the issues encountered so far are “largely expected, routine, and planned-for events.”

Weather conditions in parts of the Central US are posing challenges for voters. In Missouri, Arkansas, and Illinois, a flood watch is in effect due to persistent heavy rainfall, which has resulted in flooded roadways and power outages affecting around 4 million residents. In California, dry air and gusty winds are raising fire weather concerns in the Bay Area and Sacramento.

Some logistical issues have also emerged. In Cambria County, Pennsylvania, officials requested an extension of voting hours after a “software malfunction” hindered voters’ ability to scan their ballots. Additionally, two polling locations in Atlanta were temporarily closed due to non-credible bomb threats but have since reopened with heightened security measures in place.

Despite these challenges, many voters reported positive experiences. A Pew Research Center survey conducted during the 2020 election found that 94% of voters described the voting process as easy, with only 6% facing difficulties primarily related to long wait times and mail ballot issues.

In Fulton County, Georgia, Asia Brownlee, a travel nurse, shared her experience registering to vote, describing it as “tedious” but underscoring the importance of her participation in what she termed a “crucial election.”

Election officials across the country are committed to ensuring the integrity of the vote, urging voters to disregard conspiracy theories. Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger stated, “Here in Georgia, it is easy to vote and hard to cheat. Our systems are secure, and our people are ready.”

This election cycle has already seen allegations from Trump and other Republicans claiming the process is “rigged.” Trump has made numerous unfounded assertions regarding noncitizen voting and the integrity of mail-in ballots, fueling skepticism among his supporters.

As a testament to the complexity of U.S. elections, over 161 million voters participated in the 2020 election, which involved extensive local infrastructure, including 132,556 polling places and over 775,101 poll workers. While there is general confidence among voters about the election’s management, a recent Pew survey indicates significant divides based on political affiliation; 90% of Vice President Kamala Harris’s supporters believe the election will run smoothly, compared to only 57% of Trump supporters, who express doubts about the proper counting of absentee and mail-in ballots.

As the day unfolds, the eyes of the nation remain on the polls, with voters committed to making their voices heard despite the challenges.