US elections 2024: What you need to know about election day

Election day has dawned in the United States, marking the culmination of a highly charged campaign season.

The campaign was defined by President Joe Biden's decision not to seek re-election after a disastrous debate and two assassination attempts on the Republican nominee, former President Donald Trump.

By the time polls close on 5 November, tens of millions of early votes will have already been cast, but millions more will vote in person today.

The 2020 elections saw record participation, with more than 200 million voters - a turnout peak not seen since 1992.

Election experts anticipate a similar surge this year, as the race between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump appears to be highly competitive if polls are to be believed. FiveThirtyEight, a popular website that weighs and ranks national polls, predicts a razor-thin margin, with Harris winning 50 times out of 100 and Donald Trump 49 times out of 100, according to their simulation.

In addition to the presidential race, Americans are also voting in thousands of elections at federal, state and local levels.

Here is an overview of the critical factors shaping the outcome of today's elections.

Voting centres across the US provide voters with "I Voted" stickers after they cast their ballots (AFP)