The Daily Aus Your guide to the U.S. Election
Nov 5, 2024
With the U.S. Election in full swing, the podcast delves into how the electoral process works, emphasizing the critical role of securing 270 electoral votes. It highlights the concept of 'safe states' and their influence on campaign strategies. The discussion also touches on the unique voting system differences between the U.S. and Australia, and the importance of swing states that can tilt the election outcome. Finally, insights are shared on polling shifts and the electoral dynamics impacting candidates.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Voting Systems
- The US and Australian voting systems differ significantly.
- The US votes for a president directly, while Australians vote for a party, from which the leader emerges.
Compulsory Voting
- Voting in the US is not compulsory, unlike in Australia where it's mandatory.
- US candidates must encourage voting while also campaigning for themselves.
Tuesday Voting
- US elections are held on Tuesdays, a tradition stemming from an 1845 law accommodating farmers' travel time to polling stations.
- Despite changing demographics, this Tuesday voting tradition persists.