 "Republican presidential nominee and former US President Donald Trump delivers \"Trump Will Fix It\" remarks during a press conference at Mar-a-Lago, in Palm Beach, Florida, US, October 29, 2024. File Image/Reuters")
As Americans vote on Election Day, former United States President Donald Trump’s plans for the evening are set, with significant preparations underway in Florida to ensure a secure environment for his watch party.
Trump, the Republican nominee, is anticipated to draw crowds and media attention, while officials gear up for a potentially high-stakes night with extensive security and traffic measures in place.
What are Trump’s plan for Election Night?
Trump will host an election night watch party at the Palm Beach County Convention Center in West Palm Beach, Florida. This is where he’ll await results with supporters, as both campaign insiders and local authorities confirm that Trump will not be at his Mar-a-Lago estate as he was on Super Tuesday in March, reported USA Today.
Having his campaign based in West Palm Beach, Trump is poised to monitor this highly competitive election night from a location brimming with both supporters and media attention.
The event could draw significant numbers, as Trump’s supporters and media outlets prepare to converge on the area.
“We expect hundreds, if not thousands, of media members and visitors to descend on the city because of election night,” West Palm Beach Mayor Keith James told local media, highlighting the intensity of interest around Trump’s election headquarters.
How is West Palm preparing for Trump?
To ensure public safety, the West Palm Beach Police Department, Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, US Secret Service, and Homeland Security are working in tandem.
“Our goal is to keep everyone safe. Our team is well trained, prepared, and ready,” assured Mayor James. Additional measures include fencing around the convention center and designated protest zones for demonstrators.
Sheriff Ric Bradshaw stated, “If you’re a protester and you don’t like what’s going on, there’ll be a designated area for you to do that in… All in all, we’re expecting a smooth evening, and we’re prepared to do whatever we need to do.”
To preempt any potential disruptions, Bradshaw announced that correctional buses, which he called a “nice name for a jail,” would be on-site as a deterrent. “If things are getting ready to heat up and get out of hand, we’re going to stop it real early, and you’ll come spend the night with me,” he warned.
Additionally, West Palm Beach interim police Chief Tony Araujo advised attendees to pre-register their vehicles if parking at the convention centre garage, pointing out that traffic would likely be heavily congested.
When is Donald Trump voting?
Despite encouraging early voting this year, Trump will vote in person on Election Day in Florida, which carries 30 Electoral College votes.
Historically a swing state, Florida has voted for both Democrats and Republicans over the years, with Trump winning it in both 2016 and 2020. This cycle, he remains favoured to take the state again.
According to local media, Trump is expected to arrive at the convention center between 10 pm and 11:30 pm (local time), though exact timings remain subject to change.
For added protection, security around Trump has been increased due to two recent foiled assassination attempts, prompting officials to keep details about his movements closely guarded.
Who will win the 2024 race? Kamala Harris or Donald Trump?
With just hours until the votes are tallied, the race between Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris is highly competitive, with both candidates vying for the 270 Electoral College votes needed to secure the presidency.
Seven critical battleground states — Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Nevada, Arizona, Georgia, and North Carolina — are at the centre of this election, offering a combined 93 Electoral College votes. Pennsylvania, with 19 votes, is especially pivotal and could sway the outcome.
According to election forecasts as of Monday morning, Trump has a slight edge, with a 53 in 100 chance of winning, while Harris holds a 47 in 100 chance, per 538’s predictions.
However, another forecast by Nate Silver’s Silver Bulletin suggests Harris may have a slim lead over Trump. These forecasts underscore the election’s unpredictable nature, especially in the battleground states where margins are razor-thin.
What are Harris’ Election Night plans?
US Vice President Kamala Harris will spend Election Day in Washington, DC, having already cast her vote by mail in her home state of California, which traditionally leans Democratic.
She is expected to host her own watch party at her alma mater, Howard University, where she may address supporters and discuss election developments as results come in.
The District of Columbia’s three electoral votes are anticipated to support Harris, who has advocated for higher early voter turnout throughout her campaign.
With their watch parties set and a multitude of supporters at the ready, both — Kamala Harris and Donald Trump — are in place for a night that none of them will ever forget no matter who the victor in the end.
With inputs from agencies