WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – Millions of Americans began lining up to vote on a cold November morning as the voting booths opened in an election that would make history.

THE November 5 election could give birth to the first woman to command the most powerful army in the world, in the person of Ms. Kamala Harris, if the Democratic vice-president becomes the first person of Asian origin and the first black woman to occupy this position.

Or it could be another unprecedented moment if former President Donald Trump becomes the first convicted felon to claim the White House. If the Republican candidate wins, he will also become the first president in 132 years to be elected to two non-consecutive terms.

The new president will need to act quickly to manage two wars in Europe and the Middle East, with implications for global stability and the rules-based international order.

Trump is the favorite of Americans who vote based on who they trust most to ease concerns about the economy, illegal immigration and national security.

On the other hand, Ms. Harris will win if voters care more about abortion rights or defending democracy.

The latest opinion polls have the two candidates still deadlocked in the seven swing states that will ultimately decide the race.

There may be no winner at the end of Election Day if the vote is indeed as close as expected and ends up triggering an automatic recount.

This is possible in the key battleground of Pennsylvania, if less than half a percentage point separates the winner from the loser.

A clean slate for either is also within the realm of possibility.

Trump is expected to prematurely declare victory as he did in 2020, opening the door to lengthy legal battles that both sides are preparing for.

Republicans have already filed more than 100 pre-election lawsuits raising objections, including over the presence of non-citizens on voter rolls, underscoring their distrust of the country’s electoral system.