By Anthony Zurcher, North America correspondent

As many have predicted, it's shaping up to be a long election night that could even last several days.

In many battleground states on the East Coast, polls are closed and votes are being recorded at a rapid pace. An early picture of this historic presidential race is emerging.

While the final outcome is still in doubt, it seems increasingly likely that America is in for another exciting election.

Hopes on both sides that there might have been a last-minute decisive shift in voter preferences in one direction or the other appear to be unfounded.

The situation in swing states

In Georgia and North Carolina – it is said that Donald Trump almost has to win – the former president is doing even better in traditional rural areas than in 2020. Kamala Harris matches Joe Biden's overall results in urban and suburban counties, but does not so good So far she has not achieved any significant improvement.

Although that vote majority could shift, narrow Trump victories in Georgia and North Carolina would mean all eyes will once again turn to the Democratic “blue wall” states along the Great Lakes. The scenario in which Harris delivers a knockout blow on election night would not occur.

At this point, Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania become their best — perhaps only — path to the White House. And in Pennsylvania, final results may not be known for days.

A huge turnout

However, one thing is clear at this point. Voter turnout in this election is once again approaching the highest level in modern American history. It could even surpass the 65.9% mark set in 2020.

Both Trump and Harris have repeatedly said that there is a lot at stake in this election. The American public appears to have heeded this call.