Election Guide: Key Dates and State Races to Watch
Stay ahead of the game with essential information for the 2024 U.S. presidential election.
Key Takeaways
From national conventions to the inauguration, navigate the electoral timeline, key dates and what to watch.
Keep an eye on seven swing states with the potential to tip the balance in the 2024 presidential race.
Download our 2024 election timeline and map of key races to track.
2024 U.S. General Election Guide: Key Dates
Vice President Kamala Harris will likely be the Democratic nominee running against former Republican President Donald Trump. Here are the important dates leading up to the election and beyond.
June 27
Presidential Debate
President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump squared off in Atlanta, Ga.
July 15 – 18
Republican National Convention
Republican party delegates nominate their presidential and vice-residential candidates in Milwaukee.
July 21
Joe Biden Withdraws From the Presidential Race
After public backlash following his presidential debate performance, President Biden exits the race and endorses Vice President Kamala Harris.
August 19 – 22
Democratic National Convention
Democratic party delegates nominate their presidential and vice-presidential candidates in Chicago.
September – October
Presidential and Vice Presidential Debates
November 5
Election Day
The successful candidate must reach 270 electoral votes to win the presidency.
December 17
Electoral College Meetings
Electors meet to cast their official votes for president and vice president.
January 6
Electoral Vote Count
Congress tallies the electoral votes, and the president of the Senate announces the result.
November 6 – January 19
Presidential Transition
If there is a change in administration, the outgoing president transfers power to the president-elect during this period.
January 20
Inauguration Day
The president-elect and vice president-elect are sworn into office.
2024 U.S. General Election Guide: State Races to Watch
Swing states are those where Democrats and Republicans have similar levels of support among voters. These seven states play a pivotal role in presidential elections and are worth watching.
2020 Election Results
Nevada
Who won in 2020: Biden
Why we’re watching: Largely Democratic since 2008, but margins have been shrinking. Nearly one-third of Nevada voters are unaffiliated with either party.
Arizona
Who won in 2020: Biden
Why we’re watching: 2020 was the first time a Democratic candidate won here since 2000. As a border state, immigration will likely be an important issue.
Wisconsin
Who won in 2020: Biden
Why we’re watching: Typically a Democratic stronghold, this state was lost to Republicans in 2016. Biden rebuilt the “blue wall” in 2020 by flipping it back to the Democrats, but the margin was less than 1%.
Michigan
Who won in 2020: Biden
Why we’re watching: Considered one of the “blue wall” states, Trump won Michigan in 2016. Home to a lot of manufacturing, the union vote will likely be key.
Georgia
Who won in 2020: Biden
Why we’re watching: 2020 was the first time a Democratic candidate won here since 1992. Margins have been shrinking steadily with changing voter demographics.
North Carolina
Who won in 2020: Trump
Why we’re watching: Considered a “lean” Republican state, Democrats eked out a victory here in 2008. They have been trying to flip this state again, with margins shrinking over time.
Pennsylvania
Who won in 2020: Biden
Why we’re watching: One of the “blue wall” states that Democrats lost in 2016, Biden clinched his victory by taking back Pennsylvania in 2020.
Keep Track of Key Dates and Races
Download the 2024 election timeline and map of important races by state.
This material has been prepared for educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide, and should not be relied upon for, investment, accounting, legal or tax advice.