Republican Vice Presidential nominee JD Vance, running alongside former President Donald Trump, cast his ballot early Tuesday morning at St. Anthony of Padua Church in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Ohio Senator arrived in high spirits, accompanied by his wife, Usha Vance, and their children, as reported by CNN.

After voting, Vance expressed gratitude to fellow voters and emphasized the significance of the event, calling it “one of the great traditions in American democracy.” Reflecting on his own previous electoral success in Ohio, Vance remarked, “I feel good about this race… Hopefully, it goes as well for President Trump and me as it did for me a couple of years ago.”

Polling stations have now opened in 34 states for what’s being described as one of America’s most consequential elections, with potential global impacts over the next four years. Critical swing states, including Arizona, Wisconsin, Georgia, Michigan, and Pennsylvania, have also begun voting, where results could heavily influence the overall outcome.

Polling times vary across states, but most will remain open between 6 am and 8 pm local time on Tuesday. Poll closures will start at 7 pm ET in states like Georgia, with the final polls set to close in Hawaii and Alaska at 12 am ET. Counting will commence once voting concludes, with final totals expected by 1 pm ET.

The election pits two prominent candidates against each other: Vice President Kamala Harris for the Democrats, aiming to make history as the first woman and first Indian-origin President, and former President Donald Trump, seeking an unprecedented return after his 2020 loss. A victory for Trump would mark the first time in over a century that a president has served two non-consecutive terms.

Polls predict a tight race, with projected leads well within the margin of error, suggesting a closely contested election between Trump and Harris.

(Inputs from ANI)