WASHINGTON — The upcoming U.S. general election on Nov. 5 will play a crucial role in determining the nation’s trajectory. However, it is important to note that the elections are not uniformly administered across the country—each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia has its own unique voting regulations and processes.
Here’s an overview of key differences that will shape the 2024 elections:
To claim the presidency, a candidate needs a minimum of 270 electoral votes from the 538 available in the Electoral College. In 48 states and the District of Columbia, the candidate who secures the most votes statewide is awarded all of that state’s electoral votes.
Conversely, Maine and Nebraska allocate their electoral votes differently. In these states, candidates receive one electoral vote for each congressional district they win, in addition to two votes for winning the statewide ballot.
In 2020, for example, Joe Biden won three of Maine’s four electoral votes after winning both the overall state popular vote and its 1st Congressional District. Donald Trump secured one electoral vote by winning the 2nd Congressional District. Similarly, in Nebraska, Trump garnered four of the state’s five votes due to his victories in the state’s overall vote and its 1st and 3rd Congressional Districts, while Biden claimed one vote from winning the 2nd District.
Ranked choice voting is another distinctive feature in some states, allowing voters to rank candidates by preference. If no candidate receives over 50% of first-choice votes, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated, and their votes are redistributed based on the next choice indicated by those voters. This process continues until a candidate achieves a majority.
Maine employs ranked choice voting in both state-level primaries and federal elections. Voters can rank candidates for president, Senate, and House positions, including winners from Democratic and Republican primaries as well as independent candidates.
On the presidential ballot, voters will see candidates like Trump and Kamala Harris alongside other contenders. Since adopting ranked choice voting six years ago, Maine has utilized this system in congressional races but did not advance to ranked choice voting during the 2020 presidential election, as the winning candidates secured over 52% of the vote.
In Alaska, open primaries allow all candidates to compete regardless of party affiliation, with the top four advancing to the general election, where ranked choice voting determines the winner. Alaskans can rank candidates up to four in legislative and statewide races, including for the presidency, marking the first time ranked choice voting will apply in Alaska’s presidential election.
This fall’s ballot will feature eight presidential tickets, all of which voters can rank if they choose. Alaska’s last presidential winner who did not surpass 50% of the vote was in 1992, when Ross Perot received nearly 20% of the national popular vote.
Additionally, a voter initiative in Alaska this fall seeks to repeal ranked choice voting, creating another dynamic in the election landscape.
California and Washington also implement open primaries, allowing all candidates to run on the same ballot. The top two vote-getters advance to the general election, regardless of party. This year, two House races in Washington feature candidates from the same party, as do four races in California.
The outcome of these races will impact the overall balance of power in the House, with results being reported as votes are counted.
In Louisiana, all candidates participate in an “open primary” held concurrently with the general election. A candidate securing more than 50% of the primary vote wins outright; otherwise, the top two advance to a runoff, creating scenarios where two candidates from the same party might face off.
Starting in 2026, however, U.S. House elections in Louisiana will transition to earlier primaries, open solely to party members, while some state races may still hold open primaries in November.
Meanwhile, in Nebraska, measures related to abortion are on the ballot this year after gathering over 123,000 valid signatures. One measure would constitutionally protect the right to an abortion until fetal viability or later for the health of the pregnant individual. The other would codify a current 12-week abortion ban, with exceptions for rape, incest, and life-threatening situations.
This election marks a significant moment, as it is the first since the 2022 Supreme Court ruling that overturned Roe v. Wade, presenting voters with competing measures aimed at both restricting and preserving abortion rights.
As a result of the competitive nature of the measures, only the one receiving the most “for” votes will be adopted, as indicated by state officials.
In certain states, particularly in the South, runoff elections are held if no candidate achieves 50% of the primary vote. Several states conducted primary runoffs earlier this year, including Georgia, which utilizes similar runoff rules in its general elections.
Georgia’s most recent Senate races required runoff elections when third-party candidates garnered enough votes to prevent either major party nominee from exceeding 50%. However, this year’s runoff scenario seems limited to downballot contests due to the absence of a U.S. Senate race and only two candidates on the House ballot.
As Election Day approaches, voters will navigate a complex landscape marked by varying rules and regulations across states, highlighting the intricate nature of U.S. elections.
