Candidates Target Key Battleground States in Final Election Push

Good morning.

It’s finally upon us — Election Day is tomorrow. Since we may not know the winner that night (cue: me raiding my kids’ Halloween candy until the AP calls it), it could end up being more like “Election Days.” In the meantime: Vote and snag that all-important sticker...just like these celebrities did (could Selena Gomez make voting look more glamorous?). And if you need a little election escapism, while still embracing the theme of the week, these top 20 political movies should do the trick — yes, Tracy Flick made the cut. Now, let’s get to the news... 

— Marina Carver / Senior Editor / Brooklyn, NY

What's Happening

Election

Candidates Target Key Battleground States in Final Election Push

What's going on (Harris campaign): Vice President Kamala Harris heads into the final stretch of the presidential race with a surprising lead in the new Iowa poll — a state where Former President Donald Trump has previously dominated, winning it twice. Harris’s three-point edge, though within the margin of error, hints that Iowa might be more competitive than anticipated. In the VP’s final push, her campaign is dropping the underdog mentality, as she focuses on battleground states like Michigan, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina. Recent polling suggests that late-deciding voters may be leaning in her direction. Meanwhile, Harris is looking to cut into Trump’s advantage in Arizona and regain her lead in Pennsylvania, where she’s now in a virtual tie with the former president.

What’s going on (Trump campaign): Trump dismissed that Iowa poll and pointed to early voting among Republicans as an indication of his campaign’s momentum. As Trump hits the trail in New Mexico and Virginia, he’s working to attract apolitical young male voters with the help of influencers and podcast interviews. Trump’s campaign is also zeroing in on the battleground state of North Carolina (he won the state in 2016 and 2020), where he’s been rallying for days with a slew of new events ahead of the election. Strategists and aides are debating if the late flurry in North Carolina suggests the campaign is nervous about the state. One Trump campaign official said: “If one state could bite us in the ass, it’s North Carolina.”

Related: This Tool Lets You See If Your Friends Voted. Creepy or Helpful?

Politics

The Other Close Contest: Which Party Will Control Congress?

What's going on: As the flashy presidential election sucks up air time on shows like Saturday Night Live and The Joe Rogan Experience, another important contest is getting considerably less attention: the battle for control of Congress. Tomorrow, voters will decide the fate of 34 Senate seats and all 435 House seats. Some polls indicate that Republicans and Democrats could swap chambers, with Democrats reclaiming the House and Republicans winning the Senate. However, it’s incredibly close, with tight Senate races in Wisconsin, Ohio, Montana, and, yes, even Texas. Meanwhile, the fate of the House may surprisingly hinge on blue states like New York and California.

What it means: It might be hard to believe, but for the last 30 years, every single president has taken office with their party in full control of Congress. This has largely allowed them to pass legislation from their campaign agenda early in their term and establish their legacy. Take former President Barack Obama, whose tenure was largely defined by the Affordable Care Act’s expansion of health insurance, or former Presidents George W. Bush and Donald Trump, who pushed through major tax cuts. But this streak could end with the 2024 election — while Republicans have a more plausible path to the trifecta, Democrats are unlikely to secure both chambers.

Related: Eyes Are on These 10 House Races Ahead of Election Night (CNN) 

US News

An Ex-Police Officer Was Found Guilty of Violating Breonna Taylor's Civil Rights

What's going on: After an initial deadlock, a federal jury convicted former Louisville police officer Brett Hankison of violating Breonna Taylor’s civil rights. The conviction stemmed from the botched 2020 police raid that killed the 26-year-old Black emergency room technician, sparking nationwide protests. The jury found Hankison, who is white, guilty of using excessive force when he fired 10 shots through the covered sliding glass door of Taylor’s apartment. Hankison’s shots didn’t kill Taylor — two other white officers, Myles Cosgrove and Jonathan Mattingly, fired the shots that proved fatal. They haven’t been charged and prosecutors said their actions were justified. After the verdict came down, Taylor’s mother, Tamika Palmer, said: “Now, I just want people to continue to say Breonna Taylor's name.” 

What it means: Some activists say this conviction represents one small step toward accountability, especially after the first case against Hankison ended in a mistrial. But other activists argue this is far from the full story — they say the Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) still urgently needs reform to prevent similar tragedies. Last year, a Justice Department investigation found a pattern of discriminatory behavior and abuse within the LMPD, including unlawful stops and searches, choke holds, and even dog attacks. The department says it has improved training and practices since 2020.

Related: What Happened the Night Breonna Taylor Died (NYT Gift Link)

Parents, Settle This

On Thursday, we asked how much Halloween candy your kids are allowed to eat. It’s settled: Almost half of you let them eat some of it. Wonder who’s eating the rest of the stash? 👀

Is staying up late for alone time worth it?

We’ll share the results on Thursday.

It’s Election Day Eve — and just like the day before any big event, it’s time to get organized.

Use our voter prep portal to read up on the ballot measures and candidates you’re voting for, plus find out where to vote, and more. It’s all the info you need, in one convenient place.

Tell Us

How do you plan to watch the election results on Tuesday?

Gifts of the Day

A red light therapy wand, a plumping face mask, and a card that lets you gift money in the most thoughtful way.*

Game Time

Wake your brain up this Monday with a game of Flipart. Just rotate the pieces to fit within the frame and get ready to feel the rush when they all fall into place. Get into it.