Speculation, anticipation, and key issues are on the rise in what many expect to be another contentious campaign season, with the presidential election set for 2024.

The next president of the world's most powerful democracy will be determined in this election, which will take place amidst great political, social, and economic challenges facing the U.S. and world at large. Here is an overview of what can be expected as voters go into the race.

Candidates to Watch Below is the list of interesting contenders as the race for the presidency heats up in the 2024 U.S. presidential election pits longtime politicians against newcomers.

Current President Joe Biden is widely expected to seek re-election as the Democratic candidate. Biden's age could be a concern to some voters at 81 years on Election Day, but his supporters boast about the experience he has built up, especially concerning foreign policy and domestic reforms. His handling of the economy, healthcare, and climate change during his administration will, no doubt, make for vital talking points in his reelection bid.

On the Republican side, former President Donald Trump stays in very strong contention for the nomination and finds himself amidst legal challenges. His very loyal base and his influence within the Republican Party make him formidable.

The question, however, is within the party-a number of them would like to see new leadership. This would leave the door open for other candidates, such as Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who has gained traction among most conservatives due to his policies-particularly regarding COVID-19-and former Vice President Mike Pence, who appeals to more moderate conservatives.

Third-party or independent candidates may also run, and occasionally take a leading role, though they seldom win the presidency. In the run-up to 2024, more attention than usual has centered on prospects for the candidacies of those claiming to be outsiders to the two-party system.

The interest reflects frustration among many voters regarding the divisive character of U.S. politics, but such candidates face formidable obstacles in securing access to the ballot in all states and in receiving sufficient media attention.

Top Issues in the 2024 Race

As with any presidential election, the major concerns of the voters will determine the scope of the campaigns. The following pressing topics are very likely to dominate discussions in 2024:

The Economy: The continuous inflationary impacts on consumer prices and interests place the United States's economic state right at the forefront. Both parties will have to provide their vision on economic recovery, job creation, and income inequality.

Healthcare: For far too long, health has been a problem the United States has faced. Beyond the increasing cost, voters are going to ask that candidates consider how to improve health for all Americans in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Climate Change: Environmental policies are likely to be one of the major issues of the 2024 election, with increasing natural calamities and a global outcry on climate concerns. It requires voters, especially the young generation, to demand specifics on how candidates will square the circle of problems driven by climate change with deep digs into renewable energy sources.

Immigration: Border security and immigration policy remain some of the most contentious issues. Any candidate for the office will have to find a balance between enforcement of immigration laws and offering routes to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, while taking care of the humanitarian side of the debate.

Social issues, such as racial inequality, LGBTQ+ rights, gun control, and education reform, will continue to dominate political debate. The electorate will be as interested in how candidates frame these issues as in how their policies foster consensus or increase divisions.

Foreign Policy: U.S. foreign relations, especially with China and Russia, are part of these priorities. Thus, candidates will be expected to explain how they would reduce and resolve continuing conflicts, trade disputes, and global security threats that play a key role in their respective campaigns.

Technology and Social Media

The coming election in 2024 will also demonstrate a dominant combination of technology and social networking in shaping the pattern of public opinion.

With increased use of TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter, among other platforms, candidates will make use of these tools to reach out to voters, especially younger demographics. Digital ads, live streams, and content with the potential to go viral are important ways in which campaigns can amplify their messages.

With this nearly universal usage of social media, however, comes the challenge of misinformation and disinformation. Platforms will be under pressure to better police content and prevent any false claims or manipulative information from affecting voters.

Voter Engagement and Turnout

Voter turnout has always played a crucial role in any election; the 2024 election is no exception. Traditionally, voter participation exploded during the past elections; the most recent one, in 2020, reported the largest voter turnout in over a century. Be it mail-in ballots, early voting, or just making sure that polling stations are open and available to all voters.

With many states legislating restrictions to access voting, concerns about voter suppression remain. Both parties will have to ensure their supporters not only register to vote but can also have means to cast their ballots.

The Election,

The 2024 U.S. presidential election is definitely a very pivotal moment in American history. Candidates weighed hot-button topics, from economic recovery down to climate change. As the race thickens, each candidate's policy, character, and ability to unite a deeply divided nation will be carefully scrutinized by the voters. With the stakes so high, this election is bound to shape the country's course for several years.