On November 5, 2024, American voters head to the polls to select the nation’s next president in a razor-thin race between Democrat Kamala Harris, the current vice president, and Republican Donald Trump, the former president. In a contest that has seen fluctuating poll results, this election day promises a potentially extended wait for results, especially given tight margins in key battleground states and legal challenges.
In past elections, the winner has sometimes been declared on election night or early the next morning. But the high stakes in swing states like Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Arizona mean that media outlets may be cautious in projecting results. In Pennsylvania, where a victory margin within half a percentage point would trigger a recount, a delay seems likely if the race remains close. In the 2020 election, a recount was avoided, but Pennsylvania’s result became decisive for Joe Biden’s victory only days later.
The vote count process varies by state. Michigan and Georgia, for example, have streamlined processes that may allow results to come in faster, with Michigan’s top election official estimating a count by Wednesday evening. But in states like Arizona and Nevada, vote-counting procedures allow for mail-in ballots to be processed later, possibly delaying final tallies by several days.
Legal issues add another layer of complexity. Over 100 pre-election lawsuits have been filed by both parties, addressing everything from voter eligibility to absentee ballot procedures. Should either candidate challenge the final results, these cases could impact the certification timeline, extending the process similar to the 2000 Bush-Gore election standoff in Florida.
This year’s election highlights not only regional differences in vote-counting procedures but also the role of the Electoral College, which ultimately determines the president. On January 6, 2025, Congress will meet to count the electoral votes, and the new president will be inaugurated on January 20, the 60th such event in U.S. history.
With the balance of power and numerous contentious issues at stake, the world is watching as Americans determine their leadership path. Live updates are expected to keep the public informed as results unfold across the country’s critical swing states.
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