The United States (US) held its pivotal presidential election on November 5, known as Election Day, where citizens participated in a democratic process to determine their future leader. Millions of voters opted for early voting, demonstrating high engagement levels as they prepared to make their voices heard in this crucial election. On the final day, voters made their selections at the polls right up until they closed, culminating in a significant moment for American democracy.
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In keeping with tradition, a small town in New Hampshire was the first to cast its votes immediately after midnight local time. This town of six residents surprisingly recorded an equal split, with both Democrat Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump receiving three votes each, showcasing the intense polarization present in the nation. As results began to trickle in from various states, all eyes were focused on seven key swing states that hold the power to determine who will become the next President of the United States.
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The timing of the US Presidential Election Results remains a subject of considerable speculation. Given that each state has its own protocols for counting ballots, Election Day has evolved into what many now refer to as an ‘election week’. Legal obstacles and challenges in various states could further complicate and lengthen the counting process.
When will US Election Results 2024 be declared?
Counting of votes is initiated immediately after polling concludes within a state. The declaration of the popular vote winner officially occurs at the end of this counting process. However, there are instances when a ‘projected’ winner emerges in one state while ballots are still being tallied in others.
Many analysts predict that initial assessments of who the next US president will be could become apparent by late election night or, at the latest, by early morning the following day.
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Predictable voting patterns in many states often lead to results being announced almost immediately after polls close. Conversely, the final results can be delayed in several key swing states where outcomes are less certain, prolonging the overall timeline for determining the next president.
When will polling/voting end for US Elections?
The earliest polls across the United States will close at 18:00 EST on Tuesday evening, equating to 4:30 AM IST on Wednesday. The polls will conclude as late as 01:00 EST, which corresponds to 06:00 GMT or 11:30 AM IST on Wednesday, according to reports from the BBC.
A look at the tentative timeline for different swing states:
19:00 EST (5:30 am IST Wednesday): Polling is anticipated to close in Georgia and five other states, with partial closures in two additional states. Around this time, US television networks may start declaring winners in less competitive regions such as Kentucky.
19:30 EST (6:00 am IST Wednesday): Polls are expected to wrap up in three states, including North Carolina.
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20:00 EST (6:30 am IST Wednesday): Polls are likely to close in the critically important battleground state of Pennsylvania, alongside 15 other states and partially in Michigan and several others.
21:00 EST (7:30 am IST Wednesday): All remaining polling will conclude in Michigan, with voting also ending in Arizona, Wisconsin, and a dozen other states.
22:00 EST (8:00 am IST Wednesday): Polling will close across Nevada and in two additional states, along with partial closures in two others.
Should counting extend beyond Wednesday morning, it will be due to the tight races in the swing states necessitating further examination of results.
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US Election: When will we know who the winner is?
The truth is…
There remains uncertainty regarding the duration before an official winner is announced this election cycle. While a winner may be declared on election night, it is also plausible that it could take days or even weeks to finalize the results. The competition between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump appears especially tight in seven crucial swing states: Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.
The slim margins in these key battleground states may prompt recounts, further complicating the timeline for an official declaration. Ultimately, the results from these swing states hold the key to deciding who will serve as the next President.
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What happened in past US elections?
During the 2020 US Presidential Election, voting occurred on November 3, but the Associated Press did not announce Joe Biden as the winner until late on November 7. In a lengthy process, the media called North Carolina for Trump a full 10 days post-election and attributed Georgia to Biden following a detailed recount 16 days later.
In 2016, the election saw Trump claim victory just hours after polls closed, with the Associated Press confirming his win on election night itself. Reports showed his win was announced shortly before 03:00 EST on the following day.
Fast forward to 2012, where Barack Obama’s victory was projected even before midnight on polling day, emphasizing the rapidly changing nature of election outcomes.
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What happens after the US election winner is declared? Electoral votes
Once a winner is declared either on election night or within the days that follow, this does not mark the conclusion of the electoral process. A candidate is not officially designated as president until the electoral votes are formally cast and tallied.
The Electoral College is composed of 538 electors, with a candidate requiring a minimum of 270 electoral votes to be proclaimed president-elect. The voting conducted on election day, where citizens express their preferences, is referred to as the popular vote.
There have been historical instances in which a candidate has won the presidency while losing the popular vote, a phenomenon seen in the years 2016, 2000, and on three occasions in the 1800s.
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Crucial role of electors in US Elections
Each presidential candidate has their own selected group of electors, referred to as a slate, specific to the US state they are running in. The number of electors for each state corresponds to its representation in Congress, comprising both the House and Senate.
When an election-day vote is cast, voters are, in reality, selecting their candidate’s slate of preferred electors. This process is deemed the popular vote, utilized by states to assign electors based on these results.
The official Electoral College vote occurs in mid-December, marking when electors convene within their states. Subsequently, Congress counts and certifies these electoral votes on January 6, leading to the inauguration of the new president on January 20.
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**Interview with Political Analyst Dr. Emily Carter on the US Election 2024**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Carter. As the US Election Day unfolds, what key trends are you observing in this tight race between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump?
**Dr. Carter:** Thank you for having me! It’s indeed a fascinating election cycle. One of the most striking trends is the high level of early voting and engagement among citizens, which suggests that voters are incredibly motivated. This is crucial in a race that looks like it will come down to a few key swing states.
**Interviewer:** Speaking of swing states, which ones are currently pivotal in determining the winner, and why are they so crucial?
**Dr. Carter:** The swing states of Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin are critical this election. The electorate in these states is diverse and often divided, reflecting the polarization we see nationally. Elections in these areas can be very close, and we’re already witnessing tight margins that could result in recounts, further complicating the timeline for a final result.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned that there are expectations for close outcomes. Historically, how have delays in vote counting affected previous elections?
**Dr. Carter:** Yes, delays can significantly impact public perception and trust in the electoral process. In 2020, for instance, we saw results take several days to finalize because of mail-in voting and recounts in places like Georgia. The uncertainty can lead to anxiety among voters and can be politically charged, which is often exploited by candidates.
**Interviewer:** Can you explain how the vote counting process might affect when we know the winner?
**Dr. Carter:** Each state has its own rules for counting and reporting results. While we might see projected winners on election night, official results can take much longer due to legal hurdles or complications with ballot counting, especially in states like Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, where close races and potential recounts are anticipated.
**Interviewer:** Given the polarized atmosphere, how do you foresee the reaction from voters, regardless of the outcome?
**Dr. Carter:** Regardless of which candidate wins, we can expect heightened emotions. A section of the electorate supporting either Harris or Trump is likely to feel strongly about the legitimacy of the results, which could lead to protests or calls for recounts. The fundamental challenge will be ensuring that all voices are heard and respected in what promises to be a contentious aftermath.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Carter, for your insights. It’s clear that this election is not just about choosing a leader but involves broader implications for democracy in the U.S.
**Dr. Carter:** Absolutely. This election is a reflection of the current American climate and how divided we are as a nation. The outcome will undoubtedly shape the future direction of the country. Thank you for having me!