As Americans head to the polls on Tuesday to elect their next president, a tightly contested race between Democratic Vice-President Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump may extend the wait for results. While some elections have been decided in hours, this year’s high stakes and close margins in key swing states could lead to a longer, more suspenseful wait.
When to Expect Results
The first polling stations close at 6:00 pm EST, with the last polls shutting at 1:00 am EST. In past elections, winners have sometimes been declared late on election night or in the early hours of the following day. However, this year’s neck-and-neck competition means that media outlets may exercise caution before calling the race.
Recounts and legal challenges could further delay the final outcome. In Pennsylvania, for example, a recount is triggered if the margin is within 0.5 percentage points, and numerous pre-election lawsuits have already been filed, contesting voter eligibility and mail-in ballots.
Swing States to Watch
Seven swing states are likely to determine the election. In Georgia, where early voting has already broken records, results could come within hours of polls closing. Meanwhile, states like Pennsylvania and Michigan may take longer, with Pennsylvania expected to have results at least 24 hours after polls close.
Vote-counting processes have become more efficient since 2020, and fewer mail-in ballots are expected compared to the pandemic election. Still, delays are possible, especially in states like Arizona and Nevada, where ballots can take days to be fully processed.
What If the Results Are Contested?
If disputes arise, the process of vote verification and the involvement of the electoral college will come into play. States will send certified results to Congress, which will meet on January 6 to finalize the election. Although reforms have made it more difficult to contest results, election observers anticipate potential challenges at both the local and state levels.
As the nation awaits the results, both candidates are keeping voters on edge, with concerns about how the aftermath might unfold. Stay tuned for live updates and in-depth coverage as the election drama continues to unfold.