Although voting started about 7 weeks ago in some states and almost 40 million people have already cast their ballots, today, November 8, is the Election Day in the United States for the election of its new president.

According to US Census Bureau, about 227 million people are eligible to vote in 2016 election. However, 1968 is the last presidential election when voter turnout was slightly above 60% of the total eligible voter population. Presidential election between 1972 and 2012 had voter turnout only between 48% and 58%. Recent projections have shown that the voter turnout in this election will be about 50-55% which means that only about 125 million people will cast their ballots this election. So, early voting makes about 32% of total votes.

As Americans wake up to this historic and unprecedented day to elect their 45^th president, a history will be made. Even though there are four candidates for the presidents, either Donald Trump from Republican Party or Hillary Clinton from Democratic Party is set to be the next head of the world power.

Recent surveys have shown that almost half of the Americans do not like either of the candidates, the worst favorable number in recent presidential elections. This presidential campaign has drawn a lot of attentions not only about candidates’ policies and plans, but also their personal and professional lives. It has been a very controversial, ugly, and probably one of the most unhealthy campaign trails in recent history. Mr. Trump and Mrs. Clinton stand on two opposite poles when it comes to views on immigration, healthcare, abortion, government regulation, gun rights and many more.

A file photo of Hillary Clinton from Democratic Party and Donald Trump from Republican Party for US Presidential election

Many American voting for Trump say that the nation needs a fresh leader with fresh ideas and policies and only Trump can fight with terrorism, deal with illegal immigration, and improve the nation’s economy. However, voters opposed to him say that he is a danger to American nation and so his election an attack on the country’s democratic foundations. They argue that he is a divisive personality, dividing Americans on the lines of religion, race, ethnicity, gender, socio-economic status. Trump’s opponent also believes that he does not have the temperament and judgement to be the president of the United States. Polls have shown that he is very unpopular among women, Latinos, African-Americans, Muslims, and immigrants.

Meanwhile, Clinton’s supporters stress her long experience in politics and governance to pitch her as new commander-in-chief. They also believe that Clinton’s plans and policies on economics, immigration, tax, minimum wage, gun rights, terrorism, and working with allies are far better than Trump’s. She is saying that she will work for middle class people and increase the tax for wealthy Americans. She has been very popular among women as country is voting first time for a woman presidential candidate from a major political party in US history. She also has a strong support from Latinos, African-Americans, Muslims, and all other immigrants. As US has become more and more diverse in its demographics, this election could indeed become more favorable for Clinton given public opinion that she has more liberal and inclusive views. However, her campaign suffered from email scandal as many American still believe that she is not trustworthy and is a liar. As she admitted her mistake about handling State’s Department emails and even the FBI cleared her case, people are still concerned about her carelessness. People who oppose Clinton believe that if she wins it will be the continuation of Obama Administration and there will be no change.

Polls on the eve of the election show that the race is very tight but Clinton has slight edge over Trump. 270 electoral votes are needed to win the presidency out of 538 total votes. As polls open for a historic election, American could be very likely on the way to choose their very first woman president.