The upcoming presidential election on November 5th will significantly impact the future of the United States. As the race unfolds on a national level, each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia independently manages its elections, resulting in a fascinating array of unique voting practices. Here’s a closer look at some notable variations in the 2024 election:
Maine and Nebraska: Unique Electoral Votes
In the Electoral College, a candidate needs 270 out of 538 votes to win the presidency. While most states award all their electoral votes to the candidate who wins the state, Maine and Nebraska take a different approach. Each congressional district in these states allocates one electoral vote to the candidate with the most votes, while the remaining two go to the statewide winner. In 2020, Joe Biden won three of Maine’s four electoral votes, while Donald Trump claimed one. Similarly, Trump secured four of Nebraska’s five electoral votes, winning two congressional districts.
Alaska and Maine: Ranked Choice Voting
Alaska and Maine have implemented ranked choice voting, allowing voters to rank candidates in order of preference. If no candidate receives over 50% of the vote initially, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated, and their votes are redistributed based on the voters’ second choices. Maine uses this system for state primaries and federal elections, including presidential races. In 2024, voters in Maine will rank candidates for president, including Trump, Kamala Harris, and others. Alaska is also adopting ranked choice voting for its presidential election, allowing voters to rank up to four candidates.
California and Washington: Open Primaries
California and Washington conduct open primaries, where all candidates compete on a single ballot regardless of party affiliation. The top two vote-getters advance to the general election, which can lead to two candidates from the same party competing against each other. This year, both states have House races featuring candidates solely from one party.
Louisiana: Distinct Runoff System
Louisiana holds its primary elections on the same day as the general election. All candidates compete in an open primary, and any candidate receiving more than 50% of the vote wins outright. If no one achieves this, the top two candidates face off in a runoff. This system is set to change in 2026 for US House elections, transitioning to early primaries limited to registered party members.
Nebraska: Abortion Measures on the Ballot
In Nebraska, any measure that gathers around 123,000 valid signatures qualifies for the ballot. This year, two abortion-related measures have made it, one seeking to protect abortion rights until fetal viability and another aiming to enshrine the current 12-week ban with exceptions. This marks the first time since the 2022 Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade that a state has simultaneous measures to restrict and protect abortion rights.
Georgia: Runoff Elections
In Georgia, runoff elections are triggered if no candidate secures at least 50% of the vote in primaries or general elections. This year, however, runoff elections are likely to be limited to lower-level races, as there are no Senate races in Georgia and US House contests feature only two candidates.
Texas, Florida, Michigan, and Oregon: Early Vote Reporting
States like Texas, Florida, Michigan, and Oregon report many votes before the final polls close due to their staggered polling hours across time zones. Tennessee, however, coordinates its voting to end simultaneously across both the Eastern and Central time zones.
Understanding these diverse voting procedures enriches our appreciation for the intricate landscape of American democracy. Each state’s unique voting system reflects its history and political culture, contributing to a dynamic electoral process.
