As Americans prepare to head to the polls on November 5, the 2024 presidential race between Democratic nominee Kamala Harris and former president Donald Trump has reached a fever pitch. Both candidates are locked in a tense battle for the White House, with opinion polls showing a tight race in the seven crucial swing states likely to decide the outcome. With over 72 million Americans casting early votes, the stage is set for one of the most dramatic election results in modern US history. Yet, the final outcome may not be known for days, sparking anticipation and uncertainty across the nation.
Election night and early results
On Election Day, voting will close at different times depending on the state, and the counting of votes will commence immediately. Typically, major news networks and agencies like the Associated Press rely on their data models to “call” each state’s result soon after polls close. However, with millions of early and mail-in ballots, many of which will need additional time to process, the full picture may not emerge on election night. If either candidate wins the pivotal 270 Electoral College votes on November 5 or shortly thereafter, the winner might be projected, but this year’s election is expected to stretch into the following days.
Key swing states to watch
Seven battleground states—Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Arizona, Nevada, Wisconsin, and North Carolina—will play a decisive role in the race’s outcome. These states carry considerable weight in the Electoral College and were narrowly split in the 2020 election. For Trump, regaining these states is essential, while Harris aims to hold onto these Democratic strongholds to secure her place in the White House. States like Florida and Ohio, which have trended Republican in recent elections, may also influence the final result, but the swing states are where both campaigns have concentrated their final efforts.
Why delays are expected
Unlike traditional voting methods, processing mail-in ballots and early votes can extend counting by several days. Each state has different rules on when and how to process these ballots, and closely contested states are likely to witness a more prolonged counting period. In 2020, for instance, the result took four days to be called, as Pennsylvania’s vote tally played a decisive role. Given the expected high turnout and close race, election experts caution that this year may similarly require patience.
Adding to the complexity, Trump has already questioned the integrity of the election process, particularly in swing states, casting doubts on mail-in ballots and early votes. He has suggested he may contest the results if they do not favour him, which could lead to further delays or legal disputes in the aftermath of the election.
When will the official winner be declared?
Once individual states have certified their results—typically by mid-to-late November or early December—the Electoral College will formally cast its votes, with Congress scheduled to declare the final outcome on January 6, 2025. However, public perception of the winner often comes earlier, once the 270-vote threshold is reached.
Election night and early results
On Election Day, voting will close at different times depending on the state, and the counting of votes will commence immediately. Typically, major news networks and agencies like the Associated Press rely on their data models to “call” each state’s result soon after polls close. However, with millions of early and mail-in ballots, many of which will need additional time to process, the full picture may not emerge on election night. If either candidate wins the pivotal 270 Electoral College votes on November 5 or shortly thereafter, the winner might be projected, but this year’s election is expected to stretch into the following days.
Key swing states to watch
Seven battleground states—Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Arizona, Nevada, Wisconsin, and North Carolina—will play a decisive role in the race’s outcome. These states carry considerable weight in the Electoral College and were narrowly split in the 2020 election. For Trump, regaining these states is essential, while Harris aims to hold onto these Democratic strongholds to secure her place in the White House. States like Florida and Ohio, which have trended Republican in recent elections, may also influence the final result, but the swing states are where both campaigns have concentrated their final efforts.
Why delays are expected
Unlike traditional voting methods, processing mail-in ballots and early votes can extend counting by several days. Each state has different rules on when and how to process these ballots, and closely contested states are likely to witness a more prolonged counting period. In 2020, for instance, the result took four days to be called, as Pennsylvania’s vote tally played a decisive role. Given the expected high turnout and close race, election experts caution that this year may similarly require patience.
Adding to the complexity, Trump has already questioned the integrity of the election process, particularly in swing states, casting doubts on mail-in ballots and early votes. He has suggested he may contest the results if they do not favour him, which could lead to further delays or legal disputes in the aftermath of the election.
When will the official winner be declared?
Once individual states have certified their results—typically by mid-to-late November or early December—the Electoral College will formally cast its votes, with Congress scheduled to declare the final outcome on January 6, 2025. However, public perception of the winner often comes earlier, once the 270-vote threshold is reached.
