When can we expect the US election results?
The polls have officially closed in all seven pivotal battleground states for the US presidential election. As ballots continue to be counted, early projections for two of these states are already hinting at potential trends. However, it could still be a considerable wait before the US election results make it clear whether Republican Donald Trump or Democrat Kamala Harris will be the next president.
State-by-state results will be announced gradually, and major outlets are closely monitoring the tally. While the outcomes remain uncertain, both campaigns are watching several crucial swing states where votes are still being tallied.
With high voter turnout recorded both in early voting and on election day, the race is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent history. Before polls opened, experts had pinpointed seven key swing states as likely to determine the election outcome: North Carolina, Georgia, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Arizona, and Nevada.
Thus far, Trump is projected to secure victories in North Carolina and Georgia, two states that played pivotal roles in the 2020 election. However, outcomes in Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Arizona, and Nevada remain too close to call, with results potentially delayed by a lengthy counting process.
The final tally might take time, particularly in states like Pennsylvania, where a narrow margin could trigger an automatic recount. In Pennsylvania, recounts are mandated when there is less than a 0.5% difference between the leading candidates.
The closing of polls at 01:00 EST (06:00 GMT) does not mean an immediate winner will be declared. Historically, some election results have been finalized in the early hours following election night, but the tight margins and high stakes in this year’s race could lead to additional delays and recounts.
Potential legal challenges
This year’s election has seen significant early voting activity, with more than 83 million Americans casting their ballots ahead of election day. Early voting patterns, typically favoring Democrats in the past, saw a more balanced turnout this cycle, with nearly equal participation from registered Republicans.
Past elections have illustrated how early results can shift as mail-in ballots are counted — a phenomenon that led to a “red mirage” in 2020 when Trump appeared ahead early in the night, only for Biden to overtake him. A similar situation could emerge in 2024, with both parties preparing for any scenario.
Legal disputes could also arise, as more than 100 lawsuits related to voter eligibility and ballot processing were filed in the lead-up to election day. While reforms have clarified aspects of vote certification, some states may still experience challenges that could delay results.
Looking back at presidential election announcements
Election results in recent years have varied widely in terms of timing. In 2020, it took four days for networks to declare Joe Biden the winner after Pennsylvania’s results solidified his lead. In contrast, the 2016 election saw Trump declared victorious within hours of poll closures, while Obama’s 2012 win was projected before midnight.
One of the most protracted elections occurred in 2000 when a recount in Florida extended the process for weeks, ultimately ending with a Supreme Court ruling. While a repeat of such a scenario remains unlikely, recounts or legal disputes could prolong the result.
What if the election results are contested?
Once all valid votes are counted, the candidate who secures the majority of electoral college votes — based on state-level popular votes — will become the president-elect. Any challenges to the results could prompt recounts or further legal scrutiny, particularly in closely contested states.
Since 2020, reforms have strengthened certification procedures and clarified the role of the vice president in confirming results. Despite this, local or state challenges may still delay certification, and some Republican leaders, including Trump, have voiced reluctance to accept the election’s outcome should they lose.
Electoral college tie
An electoral college tie is rare but possible. If the candidates end up with 269 votes each, the House of Representatives would select the president in a “contingent election,” with each state delegation casting one vote, while the Senate would choose the vice president.
The newly elected president will officially take office during the inauguration ceremony on January 20, 2025, on the grounds of the US Capitol. This 60th presidential inauguration will see the president sworn in to uphold the Constitution and deliver an inaugural address, marking the start of the next term.
For now, as ballots continue to be counted across these key battlegrounds, Americans and election watchers worldwide await the final results that will determine the nation’s leadership for the next four years.
