by Phenah Musomi
Unlike Kenya’s direct voting system, the United States uses multiple methods to elect its leaders, with the Electoral College as the primary mechanism for presidential elections. In this process, each state has a set number of electors based on its Congressional representation (senators and representatives). Political parties select electors who pledge to support their party’s candidate. During the general election, voters cast ballots, and in most states, the “winner-takes-all” rule applies, meaning the candidate with the most votes in a state receives all of its electoral votes.
A candidate needs at least 270 out of 538 electoral votes to secure the presidency. In 2024, Donald Trump won both the popular vote and a decisive Electoral College victory, marking his return to the White House. His campaign strategy focused on winning key battleground states, which helped him secure the majority of both popular and electoral votes.
In contrast to Kenya, where election results can take days to tally, U.S. results are often projected the same night, though official counts are completed later. Media organizations analyze voting trends and incoming data to project winners within hours of poll closures.
Voting in the U.S. involves specific steps: eligible citizens must register, find their polling place, present ID where required, cast their ballot, and submit it. U.S. voting requirements include citizenship, being at least 18 years old, establishing residency in the voting state, and sometimes presenting identification. Non-citizens, including legal permanent residents, cannot participate in federal elections.
Mail-in voting provides an option for those unable to vote in person. Many states offer absentee ballots, and some automatically send mail-in ballots to all registered voters. Procedures for mail-in voting vary, and in some cases, a valid reason—such as illness or travel—is required to vote absentee.
The U.S. system has its critics, especially regarding the Electoral College and the role of money in politics. Some argue that the Electoral College system leads to unequal representation and can sometimes skew election outcomes. The influence of campaign financing and political donations is another debated aspect, as it is seen as giving an advantage to wealthier individuals and interest groups.
Despite structural differences, both the U.S. and Kenya strive to conduct free, fair, and transparent elections, though their processes and timelines differ significantly.
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