With just hours left before the final votes are cast, all eyes are on the U.S. election set to determine the next President on November 5, 2024. More than 77 million Americans have already participated in early voting, according to the Associated Press, as the race tightens between Democratic candidate Kamala Harris and Republican candidate Donald Trump.
A Historic, High-Stakes Contest
The presidential race between Vice President Kamala Harris, 60, and former President Donald Trump, 78, has been marked by fierce competition, political tension, and a series of high-profile events. The contest has captivated the nation, taking voters on a “roller-coaster” journey as the candidates vie for support in seven critical swing states: Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.
When Will the Election Results Be Announced?
Vote counting for the presidential election will start as soon as polls close in each state. However, timelines for announcing results may vary due to state-specific rules on vote counting. Some states may release projections shortly after voting ends, while others might take longer, creating potential delays in determining a projected winner. As seen in past elections, there may be instances where one state declares a result while other states continue counting.
A final declaration of the president-elect might take anywhere from election night to several days or even weeks, depending on the vote count process. However, a projected winner’s announcement does not immediately confirm the election, as electoral votes must be officially counted.
The Role of the Electoral College
The outcome of the election depends on the Electoral College system, comprising 538 electors. To win the presidency, a candidate must secure at least 270 electoral votes. This process is distinct from the “popular vote” cast by citizens, which takes place on Election Day. Officially, a candidate is not considered the president-elect until these electoral votes are formally counted.
Lessons from 2020 Election Results
The 2020 election offers context for potential delays this year. Although voting took place on November 3, Joe Biden’s victory was only declared on November 7 by major media networks. Additional confirmations followed, with North Carolina results taking an extra 10 days and Georgia requiring 16 days after a hand recount to finalize its decision.
This year’s results may experience similar delays as each vote is carefully verified, particularly in swing states where outcomes are expected to be close. As in previous elections, official procedures are in place to ensure accurate and legitimate election results.
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