US Election Day: When Will We Know the Winner?

(US) – American voters are set to cast their ballots on November 5 to select their next president, but the results may take longer than usual due to a competitive race.
This election features a tight contest between Democrat Kamala Harris, the current vice president, and Republican Donald Trump, the former president. Historically, results from U.S. elections have often been announced shortly after polls close, but the close nature of this race could extend the wait for a winner.
In previous elections, results have been declared quickly. For instance, in 2020, Joe Biden was declared the winner late on November 7, after the results in key states became clearer. In 2016, Trump was announced the victor shortly after the polls closed. However, the highly contested election of 2000 between George W. Bush and Al Gore saw the outcome hang in the balance for over a month due to legal disputes in Florida.
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In 2024, media outlets may delay their projections of the winner in response to narrow victories in key states, which could also prompt recounts. For example, in Pennsylvania, if the margin of victory is less than half a percentage point, a state-wide recount would be mandated.
The election has already seen over 100 pre-election lawsuits, primarily filed by Republicans challenging voter eligibility and the management of voter rolls. Additionally, any disorder at polling locations could also contribute to delays in announcing results.
Despite these potential issues, some areas, including Michigan, have expedited their vote-counting processes. Notably, fewer mail-in ballots are expected compared to the last election, held during the COVID-19 pandemic.
As voting takes place, results from seven swing states will be particularly significant: Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. These states are seen as crucial in determining the overall outcome of the election.
Polls across the U.S. will close at staggered times, with the first closing at 6:00 PM EST and the last at 1:00 AM EST on November 6. Early returns may initially favor Republicans due to smaller districts reporting results before larger urban areas, which tend to lean Democratic.
The counting process will typically begin with the votes cast on Election Day, followed by early and mailin ballots. Local election officials are responsible for verifying and counting votes, adhering to strict protocols to ensure accuracy.
If the results are contested, the electoral college system will come into play. Each state has a set number of electoral votes, and securing these votes is essential for winning the presidency. The official counting of electoral votes will take place in Congress on January 6, 2025.
The inauguration of the new president is scheduled for January 20, 2025, marking the beginning of their term in office. This event will take place at the U.S. Capitol, where the president elect will take an oath to uphold the Constitution before delivering their inaugural address.