Crucial swing states like Pennsylvania and Michigan may not report final results until the following day, and recounts or legal challenges could further delay a decisive outcome. In recent history, presidential election results have ranged from being determined on the same night to taking days or even weeks to declare. Voters will be watching key states closely, aware of potential shifts as early, in-person, and mail-in ballots are counted.When Will We Know the Outcome of the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election?
As American voters cast ballots on Tuesday, the 2024 U.S. presidential election between Democratic Vice-President Kamala Harris and Republican former President Donald Trump remains exceptionally close. Early returns from each state may provide hints, but the final result could take longer to confirm due to several key factors, including tight margins, recounts, and possible legal challenges.When are Results Expected?
Voting concludes on Tuesday night, with the first polls closing at 6:00 p.m. EST (11:00 p.m. GMT) and the last closing at 1:00 a.m. EST (6:00 a.m. GMT) on Wednesday. While some races in previous years have been called quickly, the anticipated narrow margin between Harris and Trump may lead major news outlets to delay declaring a winner. Close outcomes in key states could mean a delay of several hours or even days.Swing States to Watch and When They May Report
This year’s race is expected to hinge on a few critical swing states. Key reporting times for these states are as follows:
In this closely contested election, early vote tallies might not accurately predict the final outcome. In 2020, former President Trump held early leads in several states on election night, only for Biden to surpass him as mail-in ballots were counted. This phenomenon, known as the “red mirage” or “blue mirage,” may happen again if early results heavily favor one party over the other.Vote-Counting Process
The vote-counting process prioritizes ballots cast on election day, followed by early and mail-in ballots, any challenged votes, and overseas and military ballots. Local election officials carefully verify ballots by comparing them to voter records, inspecting for damage, and documenting any issues. Ballots are then counted using electronic scanners, though some situations require manual or double-checked counts.Potential Delays from Recounts and Legal Challenges
Close results in states like Pennsylvania could trigger an automatic recount if the margin between candidates is less than 0.5%. Over 100 lawsuits have already been filed ahead of the election, mostly by Republicans raising questions around voter eligibility and the management of voter rolls. Delays may also stem from any election-day disruptions at polling places.Finalizing the Presidential Election Outcome
Once all valid votes are counted, the focus shifts to the electoral college. States assign electoral votes based on the popular vote, and these results will be confirmed after December 17 meetings. The new U.S. Congress then meets on January 6 to certify the electoral college results and officially confirm the new president. If challenges arise, the certification process may encounter additional hurdles, similar to those seen in 2020.In summary, while some states may declare results on election night, the 2024 presidential race between Harris and Trump is likely to extend beyond Tuesday evening. High turnout, close races in key states, recounts, and potential legal issues all contribute to an uncertain timeline for determining the next U.S. president.
As American voters cast ballots on Tuesday, the 2024 U.S. presidential election between Democratic Vice-President Kamala Harris and Republican former President Donald Trump remains exceptionally close. Early returns from each state may provide hints, but the final result could take longer to confirm due to several key factors, including tight margins, recounts, and possible legal challenges.When are Results Expected?
Voting concludes on Tuesday night, with the first polls closing at 6:00 p.m. EST (11:00 p.m. GMT) and the last closing at 1:00 a.m. EST (6:00 a.m. GMT) on Wednesday. While some races in previous years have been called quickly, the anticipated narrow margin between Harris and Trump may lead major news outlets to delay declaring a winner. Close outcomes in key states could mean a delay of several hours or even days.Swing States to Watch and When They May Report
This year’s race is expected to hinge on a few critical swing states. Key reporting times for these states are as follows:
- Georgia: Polls close at 7:00 p.m. EST (12:00 a.m. GMT), and officials estimate that around 75% of votes will be counted within the first two hours.
- North Carolina: With polls closing at 7:30 p.m. EST, North Carolina’s results should be available before the end of the night.
- Pennsylvania: Voting ends at 8:00 p.m. EST (1:00 a.m. GMT), but it could take at least 24 hours to count enough votes to project a winner.
- Michigan: Polls close at 9:00 p.m. EST (2:00 a.m. GMT), though results may not be finalized until the end of Wednesday.
- Wisconsin: Some results will trickle in shortly after polls close at 9:00 p.m. EST, but a complete result isn’t expected until Wednesday.
- Arizona: Initial counts could be available by 10:00 p.m. EST (3:00 a.m. GMT), but the state’s largest county warns that results may not be fully in until early Wednesday morning. Ballots dropped off on election day may take up to 13 days to be processed.
- Nevada: Nevada’s mail-in ballot process allows counting of ballots received by November 9, meaning final tallies could take days.
In this closely contested election, early vote tallies might not accurately predict the final outcome. In 2020, former President Trump held early leads in several states on election night, only for Biden to surpass him as mail-in ballots were counted. This phenomenon, known as the “red mirage” or “blue mirage,” may happen again if early results heavily favor one party over the other.Vote-Counting Process
The vote-counting process prioritizes ballots cast on election day, followed by early and mail-in ballots, any challenged votes, and overseas and military ballots. Local election officials carefully verify ballots by comparing them to voter records, inspecting for damage, and documenting any issues. Ballots are then counted using electronic scanners, though some situations require manual or double-checked counts.Potential Delays from Recounts and Legal Challenges
Close results in states like Pennsylvania could trigger an automatic recount if the margin between candidates is less than 0.5%. Over 100 lawsuits have already been filed ahead of the election, mostly by Republicans raising questions around voter eligibility and the management of voter rolls. Delays may also stem from any election-day disruptions at polling places.Finalizing the Presidential Election Outcome
Once all valid votes are counted, the focus shifts to the electoral college. States assign electoral votes based on the popular vote, and these results will be confirmed after December 17 meetings. The new U.S. Congress then meets on January 6 to certify the electoral college results and officially confirm the new president. If challenges arise, the certification process may encounter additional hurdles, similar to those seen in 2020.In summary, while some states may declare results on election night, the 2024 presidential race between Harris and Trump is likely to extend beyond Tuesday evening. High turnout, close races in key states, recounts, and potential legal issues all contribute to an uncertain timeline for determining the next U.S. president.
