As Americans head to the polls to elect their next president, the nation waits in anticipation for the results of a close contest between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. While some election results may come in within hours after the polls close, this year’s tight race could mean a longer-than-usual wait for a projected winner.
When Can We Expect the 2024 Presidential Election Result?
The first polls close at 6:00 PM EST (11:00 PM GMT) on Tuesday, with the final polls closing by 1:00 AM EST (6:00 AM GMT) on Wednesday. While some presidential races have been called on election night or early the next morning, the slim margins in this year’s race may lead major media outlets to hold off on declaring a winner.
Due to the close polling in key swing states, both candidates are currently neck-and-neck. In states like Pennsylvania, a recount is mandatory if the final margin is less than half a percentage point, which could further delay the final result.
Swing States to Watch and When They Might Announce Results
Several battleground states will play a crucial role in determining the election’s outcome. Here’s when they’re expected to report results:
- Georgia: Polls close at 7:00 PM EST. Officials estimate that around 75% of votes will be counted within two hours.
- North Carolina: Polls close at 7:30 PM EST, with results likely available by the end of the night.
- Pennsylvania: Voting concludes at 8:00 PM EST, but due to high turnout, it could take up to 24 hours for a clear winner to emerge.
- Michigan: Polls close at 9:00 PM EST, with results expected by late Wednesday.
- Wisconsin: Results from smaller counties may come shortly after polls close at 9:00 PM EST, but a final result is unlikely before Wednesday.
- Arizona: Initial results could appear by 10:00 PM EST, though final counts may take into Wednesday morning.
- Nevada: Vote counting could extend for days, as mail ballots are accepted up until November 9 as long as they were postmarked by Election Day.
Factors That Could Delay the Results
Aside from recounts, other possible delays include legal challenges and disorder at polling locations. Already, over 100 pre-election lawsuits have been filed, mostly related to voter eligibility and voter roll management. However, faster vote-counting processes in some states, like Michigan, and fewer mail-in ballots than in 2020 could shorten the wait in certain areas.
Lessons from Past Elections
In 2020, Joe Biden’s victory was not called until four days after Election Day due to prolonged vote counting in swing states. In other recent elections, such as Trump’s 2016 win, results were announced within hours. However, the 2000 election famously took five weeks to resolve due to a contested recount in Florida, ultimately decided by the U.S. Supreme Court.
What If the Election Results Are Contested?
Once all votes are counted, the U.S. Electoral College will play its role in finalizing the winner. Each state awards electoral votes to the candidate who wins the state’s popular vote. Congress meets on January 6 to count these votes and certify the new president.
Following reforms since the 2020 election, objections to certified results are now harder to execute, and the Vice-President’s role in the process has been clarified as strictly ceremonial. However, potential delays in certification could arise at the state or local level if legal challenges persist.
What Happens in the Event of a Tie?
In the unlikely event of a 269-269 tie in the Electoral College, the House of Representatives would vote to select the president, while the Senate would choose the vice-president. This process, known as a contingent election, has not occurred in over 200 years.
When Is the Inauguration?
The newly elected president will be inaugurated on January 20, 2025, at the U.S. Capitol, where they will take an oath to uphold the Constitution and deliver an inaugural address. This historic event will mark the 60th U.S. presidential inauguration.