JD Vance casts ballot, rallies support for Trump: 'Vote wrong way, I'm still going to love you'

Republican vice presidential nominee JD Vance made his way to the polls, casting his ballot at St. Anthony of Padua Church in Cincinnati, Ohio. Accompanied by his wife, Usha Vance, and their children, Vance appeared in high spirits as he participated in what he described as "one of the great traditions in American democracy."

After voting, Vance addressed reporters, urging support for Donald Trump. "I certainly hope you vote for Donald J Trump today. I think his policies are going to promote peace and prosperity for our citizens," he said. Vance added a unifying note: "But if you vote the wrong way, in my view, I'm still going to love you. I'm going to treat you as a fellow citizen... If I am lucky enough to be your VP, I am going to fight hard for your dreams."

Reflecting on the significance of the day, Vance expressed confidence but acknowledged the unpredictability of elections. "I feel good; you never know until you know, but I feel good about this race," he said, reminiscing about his successful Senate bid. "Hopefully, it goes as well for President Trump and me as it went for me a couple of years ago in the state of Ohio."

A crucial election with global implications
Polling has opened in 34 states, including key swing states like Arizona, Wisconsin, Georgia, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. This election is seen as one of the most consequential in recent history, with implications that extend beyond US borders, shaping global geopolitics for the next four years.

The race pits Vice President Kamala Harris, aiming to become the first woman and Indian-origin President of the United States, against former President Donald Trump, who seeks a historic return to the White House. If successful, Trump would be the first president in over a century to serve two non-consecutive terms.

With polling hours varying across states, most locations will close between 6 am and 8 pm local time. Results will start coming in after the final polls close in Hawaii and Alaska at 12 am ET. The tight race between Trump and Harris is expected to keep the nation on edge, with most polls predicting a neck-and-neck battle within the margin of error.