As American voters head to the polls for the US Election 2024, all eyes are on the outcome of this pivotal presidential race. Determining the winner may take longer than expected, as close races, recounts, and potential legal challenges could delay the results. Here’s what you need to know about when the results might be announced, key states to watch, and how the vote-counting process works.
Key Factors Influencing When We’ll Know the US Election 2024 Results
In the US Election 2024, polls will start closing at 6:00 p.m. EST (11:00 p.m. GMT) on November 5, with the last polls ending at 1:00 a.m. EST (6:00 a.m. GMT) on November 6. In some cases, results from states with early closing times come in quickly, while other states may take longer due to close margins or high voter turnout.
However, due to the narrow race between Democratic candidate Vice-President Kamala Harris and Republican candidate Donald Trump, results may not be clear on election night. Swing states, where both candidates have a strong chance of winning, will be pivotal in determining the outcome.
READ : US Election 2024: A Simple Guide to the Presidential Vote
Swing States in the US Election 2024 to Watch Closely
Here are key swing states to watch for early and close-counting results in the US Election 2024:
- Georgia: Polls close at 7:00 p.m. EST, and up to 75% of the votes are expected to be counted within two hours.
- North Carolina: Closing at 7:30 p.m. EST, this state’s results may be declared by the end of election night.
- Pennsylvania: Polls end at 8:00 p.m. EST, but a winner may not be clear until 24 hours later due to high turnout and recount possibilities if the margin is under 0.5%.
- Michigan: Polls close at 9:00 p.m. EST, but a final count is expected by Wednesday evening.
- Wisconsin: Results for smaller counties should appear shortly after 9:00 p.m. EST, though larger regions may delay the state’s complete count until Wednesday.
- Arizona and Nevada: Arizona may post early results by 10:00 p.m. EST, though counties warn that the final result could extend into Wednesday. Nevada, with its allowance for late-arriving mail-in ballots, could take days to finalize results.
When Have Past US Election Results Been Announced?
Historically, the announcement of a US presidential winner varies by election:
- In 2020, Joe Biden was declared the winner four days after the election, mainly due to extensive mail-in voting during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- In 2016, Donald Trump’s victory was declared around 3:00 a.m. EST the morning after election day.
- 2000 was one of the longest waits, with results in the Bush-Gore race not determined for five weeks, ultimately settled by the US Supreme Court regarding a recount in Florida.
Why the US Election 2024 Results Might Be Delayed
Several factors could delay the final results of the US Election 2024:
- Recounts in Tight Races: Some states, like Pennsylvania, automatically require a recount if the margin is within 0.5%.
- Legal Challenges: Over 100 pre-election lawsuits have already been filed, mostly by Republicans questioning voter eligibility. Similar legal challenges during the vote-counting process could slow results.
- High Turnout and Vote Counting: Swing states have reported record-breaking turnout for early and mail-in voting. Although the process is faster than in 2020, recounts or close races may delay results.
How Are US Election 2024 Votes Counted?
US Election 2024 votes are counted in stages:
- Election Day Votes: These are typically the first to be counted and reported.
- Early and Mail-in Votes: States have individual deadlines for accepting and processing these ballots, which can sometimes take additional time to verify and scan.
- Challenged and Overseas Ballots: Ballots with verification issues or those from overseas and military voters are processed later.
Local election officials work to ensure that every valid vote is counted. The process, known as canvassing, includes verifying active voter counts, examining each ballot for any damage, and recording any irregularities.
For those looking to dive deeper, the University of Florida Election Lab provides comprehensive data on early voting patterns.
What Happens if US Election 2024 Results Are Contested?
In the event of a contested election, each state’s electoral votes are crucial. Winning candidates must secure at least 270 of the 538 electoral college votes. Most states award their electoral votes to the popular vote winner in that state. If a dispute arises, Congress has the authority to certify electoral votes on January 6, as outlined by the US National Archives.
Electoral reforms since 2020 have restricted the vice president’s ability to reject electoral votes, reducing the risk of controversial challenges. However, the possibility of delayed certification at local or state levels still remains.
What If the US Election 2024 Results End in a Tie?
Although rare, the US Election 2024 could result in an electoral tie of 269-269. In such a case, the House of Representatives would vote to select the president, while the Senate would choose the vice president.
When Will the President-Elect Begin Their Term?
The US Election 2024 results will culminate in an inauguration on January 20, 2025, marking the beginning of a new term. This 60th US presidential inauguration will be held at the US Capitol, where the president will pledge to uphold the Constitution and deliver their inaugural address.
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