Date Posted: October 23, 2024, 05:27h.
Last Updated On: October 23, 2024, 05:29h.
I tied the knot with my dream woman in May and have relocated from York, PA, to Arlington, VA. I recently checked my voter registration on websites like Vote.org and Vote411.org to ensure I can vote in the upcoming presidential election on Nov. 5. Surprisingly, I found that I am registered to vote in both states.
I got my Virginia driver’s license earlier this year. I have never missed a presidential election and do not intend to start in 2024.
Despite my political views, I report on the 2024 election betting odds objectively. With less than two weeks until Election Day and early voting in progress, most Americans have made their choice.
Currently, President Donald Trump is the favorite in betting markets with around 63% implied odds on Polymarket. Vice President Kamala Harris remains the underdog with 37% implied odds.
Bets totaling $588.5 million are placed on Trump winning compared to $396.5 million on Harris becoming the 47th president.
Canadian sportsbooks like BetMGM also show more action on Trump, shifting the odds in his favor. A month ago, both candidates were even at -110. Now, Trump is the favorite at -175 to Harris at +135.
Election Concerns
Trump contested the 2020 election results that led to President Joe Biden’s victory, claiming election fraud without substantial evidence.
Republicans express concerns about election integrity, alleging incidents of fraud in Democratic-leaning areas.Democrats defend the fairness of elections and emphasize protecting voting rights.
The Democratic Party opposes voter disenfranchisement through restrictive voting laws and closures of polling places.
On the other hand, Republicans advocate for secure elections with measures like voter ID and proof of citizenship.
The GOP aims to prevent illegal voting by implementing stringent election measures.
Voter Responsibility
While I could potentially vote in both Virginia and Pennsylvania, it would be illegal. The odds of facing legal consequences for such actions are low.
Though it is not illegal to be registered in two states, federal law allows voting in only one state — the primary residence. Federal law dictates that I must vote in the state of my primary residence, which is Virginia in my case.
The U.S. election system faces challenges in managing voter registration across states, as evident in my situation. Despite my move to Virginia, Pennsylvania still lists me as a registered voter.
My case highlights the issue of individuals moving between states in an election year and remaining registered in their previous state. This issue is more significant for college students who may study out of state.
Vote.org advises college students on registering to vote in either their hometown or college location, sparking controversy in Pennsylvania’s Lancaster County.
While I am bound by law to vote in Virginia, college students are encouraged to vote in the location most convenient for them, posing a significant responsibility on voters.
Having been raised with strong moral values, I choose not to vote in Pennsylvania to avoid potential legal repercussions. The risk of facing a felony charge for voting in two states during a federal election is too great.